Impaired Driving Collision In Barrie Involving 3 Pedestrians – Korzenko Case
A devastating impaired driving incident rocked Barrie on December 1st, 2022. Three pedestrians on their way to a local event were struck by a vehicle driven by Cassie Korzenko. The impact inflicted serious injuries on all three victims, necessitating hospitalization. The investigation revealed Ms. Korzenko was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash. This led to charges of impaired driving causing bodily harm, to which she pleaded guilty earlier this year. Justice was served on May 31st, 2024 when Ms. Korzenko received a sentence of three and a half years in jail.
While the legal proceedings have concluded, the victims’ road to recovery remains long and arduous. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. It’s a choice with potentially life-altering consequences for not only those behind the wheel but also for innocent bystanders. We urge everyone to prioritize responsible driving habits. Never operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
What is impaired driving?
- Impaired driving encompasses operating a vehicle while compromised by alcohol, drugs (including cannabis, over-the-counter and prescription medications, and illegal substances), or a combination thereof. This applies not only to cars and trucks but also to boats, snowmobiles, and off-road vehicles. Consequences and potential criminal charges can result if police determine impairment.
- In Ontario, alcohol-impaired driving is a significant cause of road deaths. Factors such as gender, weight, age, mood, and food intake influence alcohol’s effects. Symptoms of impairment include blurred vision, difficulty focusing, and slowed reflexes. Charges may be incurred with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher, or in the warn range (0.05 to 0.079).
- Ontario’s zero tolerance policy extends to young, novice, and commercial drivers, who cannot have any alcohol in their system. This includes drivers aged 21 or under, holders of specific licences (G1, G2, M1, or M2), operators of certain vehicles, and those driving road-building machines.
- Driving with cannabis in your system is also dangerous and subject to the same penalties as alcohol impairment. Ontario’s zero-tolerance laws for young, novice, and commercial drivers apply to cannabis as well.
The impact of impaired driving extends far beyond the immediate crash. It leaves a ripple effect of devastation on families, communities, and the lives of those who are unexpectedly caught in the crossfire. Choosing to drive impaired is not just irresponsible, it’s a gamble with potentially tragic outcomes.
“I attended the sentencing of Ms. Korzenko on Friday as one of my clients is one of the unfortunate pedestrians who was injured in this horrible and avoidable accident. It was an emotional and heavy day. Ms. Korzenko was sentenced to 3.5 years in jail and 8 year driving prohibition. It was clear that if it were not for the many mitigating factors at play in this particular case, the jail time would have been higher as the Courts continue to try and get the public’s attention that driving while impaired is unacceptable.” – Karen Vigmond
We stand in solidarity with the victims of this tragedy and the immense impact it’s had on their lives. Our firm is also proud to represent one individual injured in the crash. We are unwavering in our commitment to supporting their recovery and ensuring their rights are protected throughout this ordeal.
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About the Authors
A born-and-raised Barrie resident, Karen knows and loves her community. She is proud to be a partner in one of Canada’s most successful personal injury law firms—right in her own backyard. Karen joined Oatley Vigmond in 2013 as an associate lawyer. She holds a BA from Queen’s University and her Juris Doctor from Bond University in Australia. Prior to being called to the Bar in January 2013, Karen articled at a well-known personal injury law firm in Toronto.