Ontario Provincial Police issue safety warnings and impaired driving charges

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has issued safety warnings and laid impaired driving charges during the Thanksgiving long weekend. In Northumberland, two motorists were arrested following separate incidents on October 8, 2026.

Eric Gonet, 33, of Brighton, was charged with operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol and drugs, as well as having a blood alcohol concentration over 80. James Matthew, 44, of Cramahe, faces similar charges of impaired operation involving alcohol and drugs. Both individuals received 90-day administrative driver’s licence suspensions and seven-day vehicle impoundments.

Additionally, the OPP is reminding drivers to adhere to Ontario’s Move Over law to protect first responders. The law requires motorists to slow down and, on multi-lane highways, move into another lane when approaching emergency vehicles with activated lights. Violations can result in fines up to $2,000 and demerit points, with subsequent convictions potentially leading to jail time and licence suspensions of up to two years.