Impaired driving continues to be a concern in Quinte West, say police.
In one recent incident, Quinte West OPP said on Jan. 16, 2026, at about 10 p.m., police came across a vehicle that driven into a snowbank, which turned into an arrest.
As a result of the investigation, police said a 38-year-old Brighton man was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol, operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus,) and having care or control of a vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available.
Two days later – on Jan. 18 – at about 11 p.m., police said a traffic stop led to an arrest.
As a result of that investigation, police said a 47-year-old Belleville man was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol, operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus,) and red light – fail to stop.
None of these charges have been proven in court.
Both of the accused are due in court on Feb. 26, and the vehicles were impounded for seven days and their licences suspended for 90 days.
OPP statistics for the area show impaired driving charges doubled from 2024 to 2025 and in 2026, police said they’re already seeing an alarming number of impaired drivers.
Police are continuing to call on motorists to plan ahead and ask citizens to report suspected impaired driving by calling 911.
