In a concerning incident highlighting the importance of road safety, officers from the Peterborough County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged a local man with impaired driving after responding to reports of erratic vehicle operation in Douro-Dummer Township.

On the morning of Friday, September 19, 2025, at approximately 5:30 AM, OPP officers received a complaint regarding a vehicle behaving suspiciously on South Street. Quick to act, the officers located the vehicle and initiated a conversation with the driver. It soon became evident that the driver exhibited signs of impairment.

The individual, identified as 52-year-old Robert Cousins from Peterborough, was arrested on the scene. He was subsequently transported to the Peterborough County OPP detachment for further testing, where the police confirmed his impairment was due to alcohol and drugs. Cousins now faces serious charges, specifically operation while impaired.

As a consequence of his actions, Cousins’ driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days, and his vehicle has been impounded for a week. He is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough on October 21, 2025.

The OPP are reminding all motorists of the vital need to plan ahead when consuming alcohol or drugs. They encourage the use of designated drivers, taxis, public transit, or even staying overnight rather than risking the drive home. The message is clear: any amount of alcohol or drugs can significantly impair one’s ability to drive safely.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder for all Canadians about the importance of responsible drinking and the severe consequences of impaired driving. The OPP continue to prioritize public safety and urge community members to report any suspected unlawful activity.

As Canadians, we all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe. Let’s work together to ensure that incidents like this become a rarity, not a norm.