Ontario drivers can expect to see increased police presence on the roads for the next seven weeks.
As of Thursday, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have officially launched the annual Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign. The annual initiative is especially important in 2022, as police say the number of impaired driving incidents has increased from previous years.
So far this year, OPP report, on roads patrolled by West Region OPP, 27 people have died in collisions in which alcohol and/or drugs were a factor. In addition to these fatalities, there have been 158 additional impaired driving accidents in which people have been injured.
The Festive R.I.D.E. campaign aims to take impaired drivers off the road during the holiday season - a time that tends to bring an increase of these types of driving incidents.
“This year’s OPP festive ride campaign starts today, November 17th, and continues until January 2nd. Beginning today, drivers in Ontario can expect to see OPP officers out conducting R.I.D.E. 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Acting Inspector Ross Stuart, the OPP West Region traffic and marine manager.
Stuart expressed frustration that driving under the influence is still such a problem in the area. “The thing that I always come back to is the families that are affected as a result of the collisions. Even having to go to one of those [accidents] is very, very difficult for the officers and the other first responders, but my mind always goes to the families and the people left behind,” said Stuart.
Representatives from MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) joined the OPP West Region officers to kick off this year’s campaign. Sara Neusteter, president of MADD London, explained the impact that impaired driving can have on innocent families. In 2014, she and her mother were hit head-on by a drunk driver. Her mother, 54, was killed on impact, and Sara was left with life-altering injuries.
“If you have consumed any alcohol or drugs, please remember my story or the countless other stories that are out there, and do not get behind the wheel impaired,” said Neusteter. “If you get handed one of these [MADD] red ribbons this holiday season, please tie it onto your mirror and show that you are committed to driving sober.”
Police remind Ontario drivers that no amount of alcohol or drugs is safe when behind the wheel. Drivers should also be aware that the Mandatory Alcohol Screening law allows police with an approved alcohol screening device - also known as a breathalyzer - to demand a roadside breath sample from any lawfully stopped driver for any reason.
“Ultimately we want everyone to enjoy the holiday season and have a great time with family and friends, but we also want to ensure everyone does so in a safe manner,” said Stuart. “Make the right choice this year. The safe choice. This holiday season, don’t drink or take drugs and get behind the wheel of a vehicle.”