Northumberland OPP rundown: Crashes, impaired, stunt driving
By West Northumberland Independent staff
Crashes and alleged impaired driving and stunt driving incidents continue to keep Northumberland OPP busy.
Here’s your latest OPP rundown.
CRASHES LEADS TO IMPAIRED DRIVING PROBES:
On Sept. 19, 2026, at about 10 p.m., officers said they responded to a single-vehicle collision in the Concession Road 13 East and Pickins Road area in the Municipality of Trent Hills.
Police determined that a passenger vehicle had entered a ditch but said the driver wasn’t injured.
The collision also led to an impaired driving investigation and the motorist subsequently taken into custody. Police said the accused is a 28-year-old Hamilton resident, who was charged with operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus.)
The accused is due in Cobourg court to answer to the charge in October.
In another call, on Sept. 18, at about 4:10 p.m., police said emergency crews responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash at Ganaraska Road and Forsythe Lane in the Municipality of Port Hope.
Officers said they arrived at the location where a passenger vehicle had left the roadway and entered a ditch.
After speaking to the uninjured driver, police said they initiated an impaired driving investigation, which resulted in an arrest. As a result of the investigation, police said a 62-year-old Concord resident was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) and careless driving.
Police stated the accused is due in Cobourg court in October.
CITIZEN TIP HELPS OPP NAB ALLEGED IMPAIRED DRIVER:
On Sept. 19, at about 3:15 p.m., OPP said they received a traffic complaint about a vehicle blocking a lane at an intersection on Dale Road in the Municipality of Port Hope.
After arriving on scene and speaking with the accused driver, an impaired driving investigation was initiated, resulting in the arrest of a 58-year-old Port Hope resident, reported OPP.
The accused was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, and operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus.)
The accused is due in Cobourg court in October.
Police added that in all of the above unrelated incidents the accused drivers also received a 90-day licence suspension and vehicles were impounded for a week.
STUNT DRIVING CHARGE:
On Sept. 22, shortly before 5 a.m., officers said they were conducting traffic enforcement in the County Road 28 Port Hope area when a vehicle was allegedly clocked at 135 km/h in a posted 80 km/h zone.
The vehicle was stopped and a 54-year-old Peterborough resident was charged with drive motor vehicle – perform stunt – excessive speed, and failure to surrender an insurance card. In addition to being dished out a future court date, police said the driver’s licence was suspended for 30 days, and the vehicle was impounded for two weeks.
ROAD SAFETY REMINDER:
Northumberland OPP continues to remind motorists that impaired driving and excessive speed remain significant factors in serious collisions on Ontario roadways.
And yet, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is entirely preventable, stressed OPP.
“Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead by arranging a designated driver, utilizing public transportation, calling a taxi or staying overnight where they are.”
Speeding also reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazards, plays a factor when it comes to stopping distances, and significantly raises the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a collision, continued police.
“Drivers are urged to obey posted speed limits and adjust their driving to road, weather and traffic conditions.”
OPP continues to urge citizens to report suspected impaired driving and dangerous driving behaviours by calling 911 when it is safe to do so.
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