OPP charge 23 drivers in first week of East Region Festive RIDE program

Twenty-three motorists have been charged with impaired driving since the OPP East Region Festive RIDE program began last week.

The RIDE initiative, which stands for Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere, aims to do just that: limit the number of impaired drivers on the roads, especially during the busy holiday season.

Over 200 Festive RIDE programs have been conducted since Nov. 21, with officers stopping hundreds of drivers to ensure they were not impaired by alcohol or drugs.

The importance of these programs has been emphasized by the OPP’s 2023 Annual Report which showed that impaired driving charges are on the rise; up 17 per cent since 2021.

“Impaired drivers are a threat everyone on the roads, including themselves, their passengers, other drivers and even pedestrians,” Chief Superintendent and OPP East Region Commander Lisa Wilhelm, OPP East Region Commander said in a press release. “If you plan to drink or consume drugs, make sure you have a plan. Have a designated driver, take transit, a ride-share or taxi, or just stay put.”

In addition to the 23 impaired driving arrests, officers also issued nine warnings, resulting on those drivers being issued licence suspensions and having their vehicles impounded.

The OPP reminds drivers that RIDE programs can happen anywhere, anytime; day or night.

“There is never an excuse for impaired driving,” the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police said.

If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 9-1-1.