The North Bay Police Service says 16 impaired driving charges were laid between Nov. 15 and Jan. 15, during the annual Festive R.I.D.E. They say the 16 drivers charged compared to a dozen charged over the same time period the previous year. “Impaired driving is entirely preventable,” says Acting Insp. One decision can save a life.”Police say as of January 1, penalties for impaired driving under the Highway Traffic Act have been significantly strengthened, reinforcing that impaired driving is both dangerous and unacceptable. They say Mandatory Alcohol Screening, in effect since 2018, allows officers to demand a roadside breath sample during any lawful traffic stop — even when no suspicion of impairment exists.