In a concerning incident highlighting the ongoing issue of impaired driving, a 36-year-old woman from Oshawa has been charged following a single-vehicle collision in Port Hope, Ontario. Monika Puczynski was arrested on November 29, 2025, after her vehicle was found in a ditch on Morris Church Road around 6:45 p.m.

Emergency services were dispatched to the scene after a passerby reported the situation. Upon arrival, officers from the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted an investigation into the driver’s condition. It quickly became evident that Puczynski was impaired, leading to her arrest and subsequent transport to a local hospital for non-serious injuries sustained during the collision.

Puczynski now faces several charges, including operation while impaired by alcohol and drugs, operation while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration over 0.08, and dangerous operation of a vehicle. This alarming event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by impaired driving, regardless of whether the impairment stems from alcohol or drugs.

As a consequence of her actions, Puczynski has been subjected to a 90-day Administrative Driver License Suspension (ADLS) as well as a seven-day vehicle impoundment, both mandated by law. She is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in December, where the implications of her actions will be further addressed.

Impaired driving remains a critical issue across Canada, with the OPP urging citizens to take proactive measures to prevent such incidents. The OPP advises anyone who suspects a driver may be impaired to call 911 immediately, as this could potentially save lives.

As Canadians, we must recognize the importance of responsible driving, especially during the holiday season when festivities can lead to increased alcohol consumption. Planning ahead by arranging for a designated driver, using taxi services, or opting for public transit can help keep our roads safer for everyone.

The OPP’s commitment to enforcing impaired driving laws is unwavering, and this recent incident adds to the ongoing dialogue about road safety in Ontario. As we approach the festive season, let us all do our part to ensure our communities remain safe and free from the dangers of impaired driving.