In a notable incident highlighting the ongoing efforts to curb impaired driving in Ontario, a 40-year-old resident of Waubaushene has been charged following a traffic stop at a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checkpoint in North Huron on November 21, 2025.

The Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a routine sobriety check late that Friday night when they stopped a vehicle on Amberley Road. Officers detected signs that the driver had consumed alcohol prior to getting behind the wheel, prompting an immediate investigation.

After the driver was arrested for impaired operation, they were taken to the Huron OPP detachment in Clinton, where they provided breath samples to a qualified OPP Intoxilyzer Breath Technician. The results came back with readings over the legal limit of 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, confirming the officers’ suspicions.

As a consequence of the charge, Eric Brincat, 40, from Waubaushene, now faces serious penalties. He has been charged with “Operation while Impaired - Over 80,” which is a criminal offence in Canada. To further emphasize the consequences of impaired driving, the vehicle involved has been towed and will remain impounded for a period of seven days. Additionally, Brincat’s driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days, underscoring the stringent measures in place to deter such behaviour on Canadian roads.

This incident serves as a reminder of the vital role that RIDE checks play in keeping our roads safe. Across Ontario, law enforcement agencies are increasingly vigilant in their fight against impaired driving, particularly as we approach the festive season when the risk of such offences typically rises.

The OPP continues to encourage responsible driving behaviour and reminds the public that impaired driving not only endangers the driver but also puts the lives of all road users at risk. With the province’s zero-tolerance policies and increased enforcement measures, it is imperative that drivers make safe choices, especially during holiday celebrations.

As Canadians, we pride ourselves on our road safety record, and incidents like this highlight the importance of ongoing public awareness and law enforcement initiatives aimed at reducing impaired driving. By staying informed and making responsible choices, we can all contribute to safer roads and communities across Ontario.