An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser pulling over a vehicle on the side of the highway. (Photo by OPP from Twitter)An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser pulling over a vehicle on the side of the highway. (Photo by OPP from Twitter)
Windsor

OPP lay almost 600 charges during Festive Ride Campaign

The Ontario Provincial Police report 590 drivers across the province were charged with alcohol or drug impaired driving during the Festive Ride Campaign that wrapped up last weekend.

The campaign started November 26, 2020 and wrapped up January 3, 2021.

During that period, officers conducted close to 6,700 Ride Stop events across Ontario. However, the OPP continues to conduct mandatory alcohol screening throughout the year.

More than 190 drivers received a warning after blowing an alcohol blood concentration level between 0.05 and 0.08.

Police also say they received close to 2,500 calls from the public reporting suspected impaired drivers on the road over the six-week period.

Under the Criminal Code, it is mandatory for drivers to comply with a police demand to take a roadside breath test, even if the officer has no suspicion the driver is impaired.

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