Impaired driver beats out baby for city first

There haven’t been any New Years babies born in the city yet, but a 51-year-old Burlington man has the dubious distinction of being the first person this year to be charged with impaired driving.

The North Bay Police Service isn’t releasing the man’s name, but Sgt. Mike Tarini, of the Traffic Section, said he was arrested Jan. 1 at 5:53 a.m.

“An officer on routine patrol saw the driver acting suspiciously and driving erratically and he was brought into the station and blew over the legal limit,” Tarini said.

The driver’s license was automatically suspended for 90 days and he faces a minimum $600 fine. His first court appearance has been set for Feb. 10.

Tarini said the man’s arrest is another example of how the drinking and driving message doesn’t appear to be getting through to a certain segment of drivers.

“The average impaired driver we’re seeing is a middle-aged male, ranging from 35 to 55,” Tarini said, “so it appears they’re not getting the message about the dangers of drinking and driving.”

But, Tarini said, the service’s RIDE units will continue remain vigilant “when dealing with impaired drivers over the winter months.”

“You might get away with it the first couple of times, but eventually we’ll get you,” Tarini said.

“It’s just a question of odds.”