Whitbourne RCMP started the New Year off with a bang by taking two impaired drivers off the roads.

The first was reported just before 2:00 a.m. when a truck was found in the ditch near Monty’s Restaurant in Whitbourne.

The driver, a 38-year-old man from St. John’s was spotted walking along the highway a short distance away. He was arrested for impaired driving and was brought back to the Whitbourne Detachment for breath testing.

He refused to provide a breath sample and is now facing charges of impaired driving and refusing the breathalyzer.

Then, just before 6:30 p.m., another car was found off the road and in the ditch. The 47-year old man from Whitbourne gave police a roadside breath sample that resulted in a fail. He was arrested for impaired driving by alcohol and was transported to the Whitbourne Detachment for more tests.

The 47-year-old then refused the breath sample, became violent and assaulted one of the officers.

He is facing charges of impaired driving, refusing to provide a breath sample and assaulting a police officer.

Both men were released to appear at a later date.