RIDE steps up

News Release
O.P.P.

ORILLIA, ON, Nov. 25 /CNW/ - The Ontario Provincial Police will stay one step ahead of impaired drivers this holiday season during the annual Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign, which runs from November 26, 2004 to January 2, 2005.
This is the time of year when Ontarians take full advantage of the holiday season, with staff Christmas parties and festive gatherings with friends and family. These occasions sometimes go hand-in-hand with alcohol consumption and consequently, some drivers who travel our roads during this period may risk driving impaired, placing all other road users in danger.
During the Festive R.I.D.E. campaign last year, officers investigated 40 fatal collisions in which 50 people lost their lives. Seven of these fatal collisions were alcohol related.
Last year during the Festive R.I.D.E. campaign, officers pulled over 511,416 drivers at roadside checkpoints, 416 of whom were charged with alcohol-related offences. In addition, 402 drivers were issued 90-day driver’s licence suspensions, and another 955 drivers were issued 12-hour licence suspensions for being in the “warning zone” of alcohol consumption.
Drinking and driving is a criminal offence and the OPP is therefore joining other police services across the province to arrest and charge anyone caught driving impaired. Remember OPP Festive R.I.D.E. checkpoints will be set up where you least expect them, and once you see them, there will be no turning back.