Another holiday season has come to an end, and it has been a busy time for members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
The OPP led its annual Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign to combat impaired driving across Ontario.
The campaign, which began on November 21, aimed to keep the province’s roads safe during the holiday season.
“Although the Festive RIDE campaign has ended, OPP members in the Eastern Region will continue to conduct RIDE programs and monitor those who choose to put lives at risk by driving while impaired,” said the Chief Superintendent Lisa Wilhelm, OPP Eastern Region Commander. “Even one impaired driver on the roads is one too many. I would like to recognize the dedication and commitment of our officers who led the RIDE programs during the holiday season. Their efforts have helped keep our roads safe. »
During the campaign, OPP Eastern Region officers conducted nearly 1,200 Festive RIDE programs, stopping vehicles to ensure drivers were not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. drugs.
During the final week of the campaign, Eastern Region officers arrested 10 impaired drivers, bringing the total to 113 people charged with impaired driving since the program began. Additionally, officers issued 29 license suspensions due to warning range warnings, resulting in driver’s licenses being suspended and vehicles being impounded.
“The numbers are still quite high, and it’s unfortunate that some people still don’t get the message,” said Shaun Cameron, OPP media relations spokesperson. “If you get caught, or worse, hurt someone, it can change your life forever. »
In Russell County, officers conducted 89 RIDE stops, charging nine people with drunk driving offenses and issuing warnings to four others.
“The main problem for people in Clarence-Rockland and other parts of the UCPR is that there is virtually no ride-sharing service, and taxi services are very limited,” Cameron said. “We always advise people to plan ahead. If you know you’re going to go out and plan to drink, arrange another way to get home. Don’t make the decision to drive. »
Cameron stressed the importance of continuing to educate, especially young drivers, about the dangers of drunk driving.
“When you get caught, it’s not just a criminal charge,” Cameron said. “Your life can change—sometimes forever. It can be difficult to find work once it is on your record. »
