Snitch on a swerving driver? Do it — you could save lives

Police can't be everywhere and rely on the public, writes Lorraine Sommerfeld.

You're driving on a multi-lane highway when you're suddenly cut off by a driver who continues to weave erratically through traffic. When the car clearly goes onto the shoulder before veering back onto the roadway, you suspect the driver is impaired. Can you do anything? Will making a call actually result in police reacting? Yes, and yes.

Sgt. Murray Campbell with Toronto Police Traffic Services admits the police can't be everywhere, all the time. They use proactive patrols and messaging, as well as seasonal R.I.D.E. checks. But they also rely on the public.

“We do not have the resources to be everywhere and that is why it is so important that members of the public call in any suspected impaired drivers right away,” Campbell says.

On major Ontario highways and more rural areas, you can call *OPP (“star” 6-7-7) on your cell or 9-1-1. It's legal to make this particular call while you're driving, but it's easier if someone else in the car does it, or pull over if it's safer.

You don't need to try to keep up or stay near a driver you suspect is impaired, but the more information you can give to the operator, the better. A licence plate number is great, but a description of the car is vital. Tell them what direction the driver is heading and use exits to pinpoint where you are. You can guess speed based on your own. Dashcams can be invaluable for catching information you miss.

After a terrible crash, you will often see police asking for dashcam footage from anyone who might have been in the area. The idiot who just blasted by you might have caused a collision 10 minutes later; when you see police putting out requests, you might have something useful captured in the lead-up.

“An impaired driver is an emergency situation and should be treated that way,” Campbell says.

Police take this seriously.

“We will use all available avenues of investigation to stop these drivers, if we are not able to catch them at the time,” Campbell says. “This includes a followup investigation at another location, maybe a residence or somewhere else.”

You may be able to outrun an eyewitness or evade a patrol, but a phone call — or dashcam footage — can deliver all they need to know.

Just a few days ago, a Peel Region, Ont., regional officer attempted to pull over a driver doing 120 km/h in a 60 zone. When the driver refused to stop, the officer simply went to his driveway and waited — with a tow truck — for him to get home.

I'm grateful there was no chase through a residential area. I'm also pretty sure that's a good way to add more charges to your tab.

Police will also follow up when you call about racing or dangerous drivers.

“If we receive a written driving complaint through our online driving complaint portal, it will be assigned to an officer to conduct an investigation. This can lead to charges, depending on the evidence and statements that are provided.”

Deadly drivers need to know it's not just a police car they should fear.

On a related note, I asked Campbell about an issue that becomes more prevalent in summer: children or pets left behind in locked cars.

If you believe a parent or pet owner has been negligent and they return to the vehicle, it's usually not wise (or fruitful) to confront them. Get the plate number and note the time and location. Campbell says “a followup investigation can also occur.”

Impaired or dangerous drivers who endanger the lives of others? The police want to know.