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The co-founding partner of our firm, Greg Monforton, was recently interviewed by CTV News, as he joined Essex County police and community leaders to share an important message. Together, they urge drivers across Windsor, Ontario to enjoy the holiday season, but to make plans ahead of festivities for sober transportation afterwards.
Greg Monforton of Greg Monforton & Partners spoke with CTV News about the serious consequences of any type of impaired driving. His insights highlight why getting behind the wheel while impaired is a completely preventable risk that continues to destroy lives.
Impaired Driving Causes Needless Tragedy Across Windsor, Ontario
Greg Monforton emphasized one critical point during his CTV News interview. Every injury and death from impaired driving is completely preventable.
“Any injury, let alone death, caused by impaired driving is utterly and totally needless,” Monforton said.
Despite warnings and an increase in impaired drunk driving charges, Essex County police continue to see drivers making dangerous decisions. These choices put innocent people at risk every day.
Police conduct thousands of RIDE checks throughout Windsor and Essex County. Officers catch impaired drivers, but the problem persists across the region.
Common Consequences of an Impaired Driving Charge Are Serious and Include:
- Criminal Record: A conviction stays on your record and affects background checks for employment.
- Travel Restrictions: Many countries, including the United States, may deny entry to those with impaired driving convictions.
- Employment Impact: Current and future job opportunities may be limited or eliminated entirely.
- Insurance Costs: Your auto insurance rates will increase dramatically or coverage may be cancelled.
- Personal Relationships: The stigma and stress of a conviction can damage family and social connections.
An Impaired Driving Conviction Has Long-Term Consequences That Drastically Impact Your Life
During his interview with CTV News, Greg Monforton explained how an impaired driving charge irreversibly affects every aspect of your life. What many drivers may not consider is just how drastic and far-reaching the consequences extend beyond the initial charges laid and court proceedings that follow.
An impaired driving conviction creates obstacles that last for years. Criminal records follow you through job applications, travel plans, and daily life.
Greg Monforton noted that these charges can “adversely affect almost every corner of a person’s life.” This includes current employment and future career opportunities.
“It can affect your ability to enter the United States. It will definitely compromise your employment or your vocational opportunities,” Monforton told CTV News.
Greg Monforton Supports Tougher Penalties for Dangerous Driving
Ontario passed the Safer Roads Communities Act in 2024. The Ontario Safer Roads Communities Act introduced lifetime licence suspensions for specific convictions. Drivers convicted of impaired driving causing death now lose their licence permanently.
We believe these tougher penalties reflect the seriousness of impaired driving. They acknowledge the devastating impact these crashes have on victims and their families.
During his interview, Greg Monforton voiced support for even stronger impaired driving laws. His position aligns with law enforcement and community safety advocates. Stronger consequences may prevent some drivers from making deadly choices.
Essex County Police Continue Active Enforcement Efforts
Police and community leaders joined Greg Monforton in urging Windsor, Ontario residents to act responsibly. The message is clear: plan your sober ride before you start celebrating.
Essex County OPP conducts RIDE checks throughout the day and night. Officers work continuously to catch impaired drivers before they cause harm.
Town of Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy addressed a common rural misconception. Many drivers believe back roads are safer for impaired driving. But contrary to that belief, back roads and other local, familiar roads are no safer driving on busier roads when you are impaired.
“You can’t drive down the back road drunk. It’s no different than driving down any other road,” Bondy explained.
This false sense of security puts everyone at risk. Rural areas need the same commitment to sober driving as urban communities.
Your Sober Ride Options in Windsor, Ontario
As a motorist, you can still enjoy the holiday season by taking advantage of many safe alternatives to impaired driving. Planning ahead takes just a few minutes but can save lives.
Safe Ways to Get Home:
- Designated Driver: Choose someone in your group whom you trust and who agrees to stay sober and drive everyone home safely.
- Rideshare Services: Use apps like Uber or Lyft to request a ride directly to your door.
- Taxi Services: Call a local Windsor taxi company for reliable transportation.
- Public Transit: Check Transit Windsor schedules and plan your route home in advance.
- Stay Overnight: Arrange to sleep at a friend’s house or book a nearby hotel room.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving Windsor-Essex County emphasized the very real human cost caused by motorists who choose to drive while impaired.
“Too many people pay the price for someone else’s selfish and dangerous decision,” said Chaouki Hamka of MADD Windsor-Essex County.
One of the biggest myths some motorists believe is that they can drive home safely after drinking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Impaired Driving in Windsor, Ontario
What are the legal consequences if you are caught driving impaired?
Impaired driving charges carry serious criminal and administrative penalties in Ontario.
Immediate Consequences:
- Roadside Licence Suspension: Your licence is suspended before your case goes to court.
- Vehicle Impoundment: Police may impound your vehicle at the scene.
- Criminal Charges: You will be charged under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Long-Term Consequences:
Criminal Record: A permanent record that affects employment and background checks.
- Licence Suspension: Length depends on blood alcohol level and prior offences.
- Jail Time and Fines: First-time offenders face minimum fines and possible imprisonment.
- Insurance Increases: Your rates will rise dramatically or coverage may be denied.
- Travel Restrictions: Entry to the United States and other countries may be denied.
How much can you sue for if a drunk driver hits you?
Every impaired driving case is different. Compensation depends on your specific injuries and circumstances.
Types of Compensation You May Seek Include:
- Medical Expenses: Past and future treatment costs, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Lost Wages: Income you’ve already lost and future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical pain, reduced quality of life, and emotional trauma caused by the incident and your injuries.
- Property Damage: Repairs or replacement value for your damaged vehicle.
- Future Care Needs: Ongoing medical care, equipment, or home modifications.
The impaired driver’s insurance coverage affects your potential recovery. Ontario requires all drivers to carry minimum insurance coverage.
Can I lose my licence permanently if I am charged with impaired driving?
Yes, Ontario’s Safer Roads Communities Act went into effect in 2024, allowing licence suspension.
Under this law, drivers permanently lose their licence when:
- Impaired Driving Causes Death: Lifetime suspension of your licence occurs if you are convicted of this charge under the Criminal Code.
- No Exceptions: The suspension is permanent with no opportunity for reinstatement.
Other Impaired Driving Suspensions:
- First Offence: Significant suspension period based on blood alcohol level.
- Repeat Offences: Progressively longer suspensions with each conviction.
- Administrative Penalties: Immediate roadside suspensions before any court conviction.
Greg Monforton & Partners Helps Victims of Impaired Driving Crashes
Impaired driving crashes devastate families across Windsor and Essex County, Ontario. These injuries are preventable, but sadly, they continue to happen.
If an impaired driver injured you or someone you love, you deserve justice. You shouldn’t have to face the consequences of costly medical bills and lost wages, in addition to pain and suffering, and a lengthy recovery on your own.
At Greg Monforton & Partners, our knowledgeable car accident lawyers in Windsor work tirelessly to help injury victims every day. We manage the legal process while you focus on healing. Our experienced lawyers are deeply committed to securing the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Don’t wait to protect your rights. Insurance companies move quickly, deadlines apply, and critical evidence gets harder to obtain over time.
Read the full CTV News interview: [Windsor lawyer Greg Monforton discusses impaired driving consequences with CTV News](original article link)
Injured by an impaired driver in Windsor, Ontario? Call Greg Monforton & Partners for a free consultation today.
We’re ready to fight for you. (866) 320-4770
