The Consequences of Driving While Under the Influence in Ontario

September 14, 2026, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Whether it's from drugs or alcohol, impaired driving can change lives in seconds.

A driver who gets behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs may believe they are capable of driving safely. But impairment can affect reaction time, judgment, coordination and decision-making.

For an innocent driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian, the consequences can be devastating.

Impairment Is Not Limited to Alcohol

Impaired driving can involve alcohol, cannabis, prescription medication, illegal drugs or combinations of substances.

Ontario has tools for detecting impaired drivers, including roadside testing and sobriety assessments.

A person does not necessarily need to appear visibly intoxicated for impairment to be a serious issue.

Ontario Has Immediate Administrative Consequences

Ontario imposes immediate consequences for certain impaired-driving situations.

Depending on the circumstances, drivers can face immediate licence suspensions, vehicle impoundment, education or treatment programs, fines and other penalties.

The consequences become more serious when a driver is criminally convicted.

Ontario's current impaired-driving information also identifies additional consequences for criminal convictions, including licence suspensions and ignition interlock requirements.

What If an Impaired Driver Injures Someone?

For the person who is injured, the consequences can extend far beyond the collision itself.

A victim may suffer:

• Broken bones
• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Psychological trauma
• Permanent disability
• Loss of income
• Loss of independence
• Long-term rehabilitation needs

Families can also face substantial financial and emotional consequences.

Criminal Responsibility and Civil Compensation Are Different

An impaired driver may face criminal prosecution by the state.

A personal injury claim is different.

A criminal prosecution asks whether the accused committed a criminal offence. A civil claim addresses the injured person's losses and potential entitlement to compensation.

The outcome of one proceeding does not necessarily answer every question in the other.

This distinction is important for injured people and their families.

What Should an Injured Person Do?

Medical care should be the first priority.

If possible, preserve information relating to the car accident. This can include photographs, witness information, police documentation and medical records.

Do not speculate publicly about what happened or provide detailed statements to an insurer without understanding what information is being requested and why.

Keep records of your financial losses and treatment.

If the injury affects your employment, document missed work and any changes to your ability to perform your job.

The Effects May Last for Years

A serious collision caused by an impaired driver can create long-term consequences.

Someone who was employed before the accident may no longer be able to perform the same job. A parent may need assistance caring for children. A previously active person may lose the ability to participate in sports or hobbies.

A proper assessment of compensation needs to consider more than immediate medical expenses.

Why Legal Advice Can Matter

Claims involving impaired drivers can involve complex insurance and liability issues.

There may also be questions concerning accident benefits, liability coverage, the extent of the injuries and the long-term consequences of the collision.

Ontario's accident benefits system provides various benefits to eligible injured people, with rules concerning medical and rehabilitation expenses, income replacement and other forms of assistance.

If you have been seriously injured by an impaired driver, obtaining legal advice can help you understand the options available to you.

Deutschmann de Koning Law in Kitchener represents people injured in motor vehicle collisions throughout Ontario.

Impaired driving is a choice made by the driver. The consequences, however, are often paid by innocent people who had no choice in the matter.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.