(File photo © Can Stock Photo / Crysrob)(File photo © Can Stock Photo / Crysrob)
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Festive RIDE campaign clears the air on impaired driving

Whether it's impairment by drugs or alcohol, drivers won't be sliding past provincial police this winter.

The OPP are in their first week of the Festive RIDE campaign. Although the legalization of marijuana is something new to be policed this year, the OPP are reminding drivers that its officers are prepared to detect any type of impairment.

According to a media release, alcohol and/or drugs were identified as factors in several crashes this year, resulting in 39 deaths on OPP-patrolled roads.

"Drivers who consume cannabis and think they can avoid detection by the OPP need to think again," said Interim Deputy Commissioner Rose DiMarco, provincial commander of traffic safety and operational support. "The OPP has a strong set of tools and skills that enable them to take drug and alcohol-impaired drivers off our roads."

Provincial police also said in the release that more than 6,700 impaired driving charges were laid across the province between January 2018 and mid-October. Of that amount, 283 were drug-impaired charges.

"Make no mistake - just because recreational cannabis has been legalized doesn't mean you can drive while under the influence," said Minister Sylvia Jones, community safety and correctional services. Driving impaired -- whether from drugs or alcohol -- remains a serious criminal offence."

The Festive RIDE campaign runs through to January 2, 2019.

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