RIDE program deemed a success

News Release
O.P.P.

ORILLIA, ON, Jan. 3 /CNW/ - The Highway Safety Division of the Ontario Provincial Police today released statistics for the fifth and final week of the 2006-2007 Festive R.I.D.E. Season for all OPP jurisdictions in the province of Ontario.

During the fifth and final week (Dec. 27, 2006 - Jan. 2, 2007) of the five-week R.I.D.E. campaign, a total of 163,732 vehicles were stopped at roadside checkpoints. A total of 139 12-hour suspensions were issued and 50 persons were charged with alcohol related Criminal Code driving offences.

OVERALL TOTALS: (Nov. 29, 2006 - Jan. 02, 2007)

A total of 811,869 vehicles were checked at roadside checkpoints compared to 576,875 during the same period in 2005. A total of 339 persons were charged with alcohol-related Criminal Code driving offences during the 2006/2007 campaign. Over the same period in 2005/2006, 278 persons were charged with alcohol-related driving charges under the Criminal Code. Also, 797 persons were issued 12-hour suspensions, up from the 2005/2006 total of 671.

During this campaign, 43 people were killed in 36 fatal motor vehicle collisions occurring on OPP patrolled highways.

The Ontario Provincial Police reminds motorists that the R.I.D.E. program will continue throughout the year and is not limited to holidays and long weekends. The R.I.D.E. program and other drinking and driving counter-measures are core functions of the Ontario Provincial Police and continue to be a priority. R.I.D.E. checkpoints could be set up at any place and at any time.