Northumberland-Peterborough South — Police services in our community will receive a combined $79,879 in funding through the province’s Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) Grant to help detect impaired drivers and keep our streets and highways safe.
This investment is part of the government’s recently announced $2.4 million in funding that will enable a total of 172 police services across the province to carry out this important road safety mission throughout the year.
“With this funding, our local police services will be able to conduct regular roadside spot-checks and education campaigns needed to detect impaired drivers and keep our roads safe,” said David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland Peterborough-South. “This is imperative as we work to take impaired drivers off our roads and educate our community that drinking and driving is never okay. As we approach Christmas, I encourage everyone to use Operation Red Nose and I will be driving on December 21st!”
Impaired driving continues to be a leading criminal cause of death and injury in Canada. In the last decade in Ontario, more than 1,700 lives have been lost and over 25,000 people injured in collisions involving an impaired driver. With the legalization of recreational cannabis last year, roadside spot-checks have proven even more crucial.
“Impaired drivers, whether by drugs or alcohol, can be found on the road every single day — not just around the holidays,” said Solicitor General Jones. “It’s simple – don’t get behind the wheel if you’re impaired – make alternative arrangements to get home. This single decision can save your life and the lives of others.”
As Ontarians prepare for the holiday season, they are reminded to make plans to get home safely whether by arranging for a designated driver, ordering a taxi or rideshare or taking public transit. They should also take immediate action if they see someone who may be impaired by arranging a ride for them, suggesting alternate arrangements, or even calling 911 if someone is a risk to themselves and others.
QUICK FACTS
· OPP Northumberland Allocation: Alnwick Haldimand received $6,640.00 Brighton received $8,853.00 Cramahe received $6,640.00 Hamilton Township received $6,640.00 OPP Port Hope received $6,640.00 Trent Hills received $8,853.00 Cobourg Police Service received $13,480.00 Port Hope Police Service received $8,853.00
· OPP Peterborough Allocation: Asphodel Norwood received $6,640.00 Otonabee-South Monaghan received $6,640.00
· All municipal and First Nations police services and OPP municipal contract locations are eligible for funding under the RIDE grant program.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
