Apparently some people still haven't learned their lesson when it comes to drinking and driving.
Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs continues to be the leading contributing factor in serious road collisions in Canada.
The Ontario Provincial Police kicked off the Provincial Festive R.I.D.E. campaign on Nov. 21, which will run through the holiday season until Jan. 1, 2025.
The full news release is below:
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(BLIND RIVER, ON) - Alcohol- and drug-impaired driving has no place on our highways.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) kicked off the Provincial Festive R.I.D.E. campaign on November 21, 2024, which will run through the holiday season until January 1, 2025. This annual campaign focuses on traffic enforcement and aims to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol- and drug-impaired driving."
Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs continues to be the leading contributing factor in serious road collisions in Canada. This issue is highlighted by the following alarming statistics:
- In Ontario, one in three roadway fatalities involves impaired driving.
- A 2022 roadside survey found that one in five drivers tested positive for drugs, alcohol, or both.
- The percentage of drivers killed under the influence of cannabis has more than doubled between 2012 and 2020.
R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) programs remain an important part of road safety, serving as a visible reminder to motorists to avoid driving impaired. These programs align with strict legal requirements, as all young drivers, novice drivers, and commercial drivers must maintain zero presence of alcohol and/or drugs in their system while behind the wheel.
"Impaired driving is a crime that puts every citizen in our community at risk. Unfortunately, the East Algoma Detachment has seen an increase in impaired driving charges this year to date. This is also coupled with an increase in drug related impaired driving charges. Our officers will be out proactively conducting enforcement - please do the right thing and do your part to ensure our roadways remain safe for everyone" says Detachment Commander Tyler Sturgeon.
Road safety is a shared responsibility, and we encourage everyone to play their part by committing to the following:
- Plan ahead by arranging for a designated driver or using public transportation.
- Offer a sober ride to friends who have been drinking or using drugs.
- Call 9-1-1 to report suspected impaired drivers.
- Celebrate responsibly.
This holiday season, the OPP, along with other police services, is dedicated to promoting safe driving across Ontario.