OPP launching annual Festive R.I.D.E
Posted Nov 23, 2012 05:12:55 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA, Ont. — The holiday season is upon us, and that means Ontario Provincial Police are launching their annual Festive R.I.D.E campaign.
According to the OPP, 61 people have died in alcohol-related motor vehicle collisions within OPP jurisdiction so far this year, up by more than 17 per cent compared to this time last year. At this time last year, 52 people had lost their lives in impaired driving collisions.
Last year, officers charged 682 motorists with impaired driving and issued a warn range suspension to 583 drivers during the festive R.I.D.E program.
The 2012 campaign runs from November 24 until January 2.
The OPP is also inviting members of the public to join them on their Facebook page to share their views about impaired driving.
Police estimate 216 Canadians will be killed this holiday season by drunk driving, a number OPP Inspector Dave Springer says is way to high.
“We know it’s preventable that’s the biggest thing. Use the options,” Springer said. “Take a cab, get a friend, stay overnight, that’s what we want them to do. The deaths, one is too many for us.”
Gregg Thomson, MADD Vice Chairman agrees the numbers are still way too high after 25 years of them campaigning against drunk driving.
“Four people a day are killed still. 200 a day are seriously injured in this country,” Thomson says. “(Impaired driving) It is still the number one criminal cause of death in Canada.”
Thomson also says you don’t have to put down the bottle to enjoy the festive season.
“Celebrate? Yes. Enjoy your Christmas season? Absolutely,” said Thomson. “Do it safely, without question there is ways to approach this season and still enjoy your families.”
The OPP are also asking drivers to help them out too.
“We want the public to reach out. If you see someone who you feel has been drinking and driving or they are impaired while they’re going down the highways, roads or through your communities call it in,” said Springer.
