IS IT JUST OUR IMAGINATION, or have we been witnessing a lot more instances of drunk driving arrests recently in Dufferin and Caledon?

This week, a single press release from Caledon OPP told of no fewer than five such incidents having occurred between 8:45 p.m. last Friday and 11 p.m. Saturday.

But what struck us particularly was the fact that two of the five arrests came with the assistance of other motorists, one of whom not only reported the suspicious driving but followed the vehicle, reporting on its progress until it was intercepted by Caledon OPP officers.

The release didn't say, but we suspect, that the citizen's assistance was given despite the fact that he or she was in breach of Ontario's new law banning drivers' use of cell phones unless they have a hands-free device or stop by the side of the road.

As sensible as the new law is as a means of improving highway safety, it should include an exemption for anyone who spots any dangerous driving, be it impaired driving, "stunt" driving (more than 50 km/h over the limit) or passing on the brow of a hill.

Granted, it's unlikely that police would lay a charge against anyone giving them such invaluable assistance. But legislating this slight change in the law would encourage more motorists to provide the assistance.

As for the rash of impaired driving incidents, we note approvingly that the charged drivers all had their licences suspended for 90 days under Ontario's new Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension program.