County council launches program to catch suspected impaired drivers
By Richard Blanchard

Simcoe County has joined a program which will encourage residents to turn in suspected impaired drivers.

The county officially launched the Safe Roads ... Your Call program last Tuesday afternoon, which will encourage local residents to use the 911 emergency phone system to report suspected impairment.

The county's six police services were on hand to join county councillors in the launch of the program. South Simcoe police chief Bruce Davis told the audience that citizen involvement was crucial in making the program successful.

"This is your county and our community. We are not talking only about impaired driving, but erratic driving. Make the call to 911. Safe Roads Your Call is your call," he said.

County council gave approval to the program, which has operated in York Region since June 2007, in March.

The program's adoption was supported by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving of Barrie-Simcoe and Ride 24/7.

In York Region, the program has already seen 1,500 calls from citizens which have seen 200 arrests.

The April launch will allow the program to be put into place for the May 24 weekend.

Road signs advertising the program will be put into place throughout the county. Posters and billboards will also be used to advertise the program.

In 2007, 1,255 people were charged with impaired driving or over 80 and 407 people received 12 hour suspensions in the county, Barrie and Orillia.