OPS continue to address impaired driving following rise late 2024

Posted Feb 4, 2025 01:48:19 PM.
Last Updated Feb 4, 2025 03:34:32 PM.
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Traffic Escort & Enforcement Unit conducted an impaired driving initiative this past weekend — including 18 Impaired Focus Areas with officers screening for signs of impairment.
A key component of OPS’ 2025 Enhanced Integrated Enforcement Initiative includes Impaired Focus Areas throughout the city.
According to OPS, Ottawa saw a rise in impaired driving this past December — charging 56 people with impaired driving since the start of the Festive RIDES on Nov. 28.
“This marks an increase from last year when there were 48 drivers charged over the same period,” wrote OPS in a press release.
This past Friday evening, Central B Platoon officers were stationed along Sussex Drive and made 48 ASD demands, wrote OPS Traffic Escort & Enforcement in an X post.
ASDs (approved screening devices) are portable screening devices used to determine whether a person has consumed alcohol.
“Heading out this weekend…if so, be sure to take Impaired Driving out of the equation. Do not continue to “chance it” by driving while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs,” wrote OPS in an X post.
The Ottawa Police Service’s West C Platoon was deployed to an Impaired Focus Area this past January, as a part of the OPS Enhanced Integrated Enforcement Initiative 2025, wrote OPS in an Instagram post.
According to OPS, officers checked 70 drivers for signs of impairment — resulting in seven ASD demands along with four tickets issued for Highway Traffic Act and Cannabis Control Act violations.
Between Nov. 28 and Dec. 13, 2024, officers conducted seven RIDE checkpoints, noted OPS.
Officers stopped over 2,087 vehicles during this period, in efforts to ensure drivers were not impaired by alcohol or drugs, they added.
Additionally, OPS teamed up with Safer Roads Ottawa, Military Police, OPP, RCMP and Gatineau Police for a joint impaired driving initiative, Mega Ride, in December 2024.
Festive RIDE operations continued throughout the holiday season at various locations across the city.
“Impaired driving remains a dangerous and preventable risk to public safety,” said Ottawa police.
“If you suspect someone is driving impaired, please call 9-1-1 immediately. Your actions could help save lives,” they added.