The thick fog that rolled in last evening did not deter Durham drivers, with the usual suspects of speed and impaired driving reported by the ongoing Festive RIDE campaign team.
The fog was also proved incapable of muting the sounds of loud cars, according to Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) officers.
“The thick fog didn’t muffle the noise from this vehicle’s muffler (top image),” said a DRPS tweet.
“We have seen an increase in noise complaints for vehicles with modified/no mufflers. Driver was charged with driving under suspension, excessive noise, expired plates and fail to surrender insurance,” it added.
DRPS Traffic Services said it is always the ones that draw attention to themselves… loud exhaust results in learning the driver is suspended, plates expired and no proof of insurance… charges laid and driver summoned to court.
AP Road Watch said having an improper muffler or having no muffler is a fine of $110 or $365 under Emissions regulations.
In a tweet-along last evening, DRPS Traffic Services continued to warn drivers of very limited visibility throughout the region.
“Please slow down, and ensure your full lighting system is active. Drive safe and drive sober.
Separately, DRPS also asked drivers to: “Please slow down and have your full lighting system on. There is a fog advisory and visibility is reduced. Take extra care on the roads tonight.”
Environment Canada issued an advisory yesterday evening stating dense fog was affecting Highway 401 from Pickering to Cobourg and portions of Highway 407.
“Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility in some locations. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop.”
Impaired Driving
For a while, DRPS was happy that there were no impaired drivers stopped by the RIDE team.
“So far no results over zero. This is exactly what we want to see. Drive safe. Drive sober.”
However, soon after, “Unfortunately, we spoke to soon… one driver now issued a three-day driving suspension.”
DRPS said it is a RIDE Fact that the average breath sample from charged parties during the 2021 Festive RIDE was 160mg/100 ml BAC – which is double the legal limit.