A Windsor woman is facing serious charges after allegedly driving while impaired and causing a multi-vehicle collision on the E.C. Row Expressway this week. The incident, which occurred during afternoon rush hour, resulted in her vehicle crashing through a guardrail and rolling down an embankment.
Crash Details and Police Response
The collision took place around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the westbound lanes of E.C. Row Expressway near the Dougall Avenue off-ramp. According to Windsor Police Service investigators, traffic had suddenly slowed due to ongoing construction work and a lane closure in the area.
Police reported that the driver of a Dodge Caliber failed to reduce her speed in time as traffic conditions changed. The vehicle veered to the right, striking two other cars before leaving the roadway entirely. The impact sent the Caliber crashing over a guardrail and tumbling down an embankment into a ditch.
Impaired Driving Investigation
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the heavily damaged Dodge Caliber in the ditch while the two other involved vehicles sustained minor damage. Police immediately engaged with the Caliber driver and reportedly observed multiple signs of impairment.
"Officers who spoke to the driver allegedly detected signs of impairment, including slurred speech and the distinct odor of alcohol," according to the police statement. The 55-year-old woman received medical treatment at a local hospital for minor injuries sustained in the crash.
Following her release from medical care, the woman underwent multiple breath tests that registered a "warning" level, police confirmed. This evidence formed the basis for the impaired driving charges filed against her.
Legal Consequences and Community Resources
The Windsor woman now faces a formal charge of operating a vehicle while her ability to drive was impaired by alcohol or drugs. As an immediate consequence of the incident, her driver's licence has been suspended for seven days under provincial regulations.
This case highlights the serious dangers of impaired driving, particularly during construction zones where traffic patterns change unexpectedly. The Windsor Police Service emphasized the importance of sober driving and appropriate speed adjustment in work zones.
For those affected by traffic incidents or requiring support services, Windsor offers several resources:
- Victim Services of Windsor and Essex County: 519-723-2711
- Windsor Police Service Victim Assistance Unit: 519-255-6700 ext. 7179
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities complete their documentation of the collision scene and interview all involved parties. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potentially catastrophic consequences when impaired drivers take to Windsor's roadways.
