Ottawa police were left chasing a driver this week after a routine check turned into anything but, when the man they found asleep behind the wheel hit the gas the moment he was roused by officers.
Asleep at the Wheel
Officers approaching the stationary vehicle likely expected a straightforward wellness check. What they got instead was a driver who, upon being awakened, immediately put the car in gear and sped away, forcing police to give chase. The suspect was ultimately arrested following the pursuit.
Details on exactly where in Ottawa the incident took place and what substance, if any, may have been involved have not been fully disclosed by police at this time, though the circumstances strongly suggest impairment was a factor.
A Wake-Up Call for Ottawa Roads
For Ottawa residents, this incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by impaired and drowsy driving, two issues that local police and road safety advocates have long flagged as serious concerns, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours.
Drowsy driving is often underestimated compared to alcohol or drug impairment, but studies consistently show that driving while severely sleep-deprived can affect reaction time and judgment as severely as being over the legal alcohol limit. Falling asleep at the wheel, especially while stopped in traffic or at the roadside, is a major red flag that something is seriously wrong.
What the Law Says
In Ontario, police have broad authority to arrest a driver they believe poses a danger to themselves or others on the road. Fleeing from police is a serious criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada, carrying significant penalties including imprisonment. Combined with whatever underlying charges stem from the initial stop, the arrested driver faces a potentially lengthy legal battle.
Ottawa Police Service regularly conducts RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) spot checks and encourages residents to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1.
Staying Safe Out There
If you spot a driver who appears to be asleep or impaired on Ottawa roads, the advice from local police is consistent: don't approach the vehicle yourself. Call 9-1-1 and let officers handle it. If you're feeling too tired to drive, pull over safely, take a break, or arrange an alternative ride home.
Services like OC Transpo, taxis, and rideshare apps are widely available across the city. There's no shortage of ways to get home safely without putting yourself or others at risk.
This incident serves as a timely reminder that impaired driving in all its forms remains a genuine threat on Ottawa streets, and that police are watching, even when the driver isn't.
Source: CTV News Ottawa. This article is based on reporting from CTV News.
