Impaired driving leads to extensive damages after collision with sign

A 25-year-old Kingston man has been charged with impaired driving after a collision with a sign on Princess Street near Portsmouth Avenue.

The collision occurred on Sunday, Mar. 1, 2020 at approximately 6:55 p.m. The male driver left the westbound lanes of Princess Street just after the Portsmouth Avenue intersection and struck the large sign out front of the Burning Grill Korean Cuisine restaurant, formerly Aunt Lucy’s.

Once struck, the large sign toppled over on top of the vehicle.

Upon arrival, police made observations that the driver, who was still in the vehicle, was impaired by alcohol. Witnesses had observed the accused driving at a high rate of speed and losing control of the motor vehicle just prior to the collision, according to Kingston Police. The driver was taken to hospital at approximately 7 p.m. by Frontenac Paramedics. There, the driver provided two breath samples. The accused driver was found to have more than two times the legal limit of alcohol in his system. He was later released from custody on conditions with a future court date.

The driver was charged with impaired operation of a conveyance (vehicle), and impaired operation of a conveyance exceeding the legal blood alcohol concentration. Additionally, the man’s licence was suspended for 90 days, and he will face a one-year suspension if convicted. The vehicle was seized and impounded for 7 days, and the accused will be responsible for all related fees and fines.

The damages and debris from the collision remained on scene for over 24 hours at the site of the collision.