DRPS completed its sixth and final week of the 2023 Festive RIDE program, stopping more than 1,863 vehicles and charging 13 drivers with impaired driving offences.
Although this program places an emphasis on impaired related offences, officers work to ensure the safety of the roadways within our Region.
This week, the DRPS RIDE team partnered with DRPS and OPP Auxiliary members. Through our enforcement efforts, another 13 drivers were removed from the roadways. On New Years Eve our team checked nearly 300 cars for sobriety and noted that the vast majority of these drivers were designated driver or ride share services. We thank all those who made the right choice and drove sober this holiday season.
While the vast majority of motorists are abiding by the rules and regulations, some people seem oblivious to the dangers of impaired driving. One driver even had an unsecured toddler in the car while operating impaired by drugs.
The 2023 Festive RIDE final totals are as follows (with the 2022 Festive RIDE final totals in brackets for comparison).
12,682 (9,907) Vehicles stopped by RIDE
533 (492) People given Roadside Breath Tests
40 (41) People received “3 Day Suspensions” for registering a “WARN”
19 (10) Novice Driver received a 3, 7 or 30 Licence Suspension
87 (77) People were charged with Impaired Driving Offences
64 (35) Other Criminal Code Charges
974 (692) Charged with various Highway Traffic Act offences
3 (2) Drug Offences
As the 2023 Festive RIDE program comes to a close we remind the public that our officers work 24/7/365 and are always focused on road safety and reducing impaired driving.
This year 87 drivers were removed from our roads for impaired driving – a choice they made. A choice that jeopardizes the safety of everyone. That being said, over 12,000 vehicles were checked, proving the majority of the drivers are following the rules and regulations. Our members are thankful for that and incredibly grateful for the calls and information provided by the public with respect to impaired drivers. Please remember: If you see something, say something. Report suspected impaired driving by calling 911 – it could save a life.
A complete list of those charged with Impaired/Exceed is posted on our website www.drps.ca.
Note: Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, anyone charged with a criminal impaired driving offence will have their driver’s licence suspended for ninety days and their vehicle impounded automatically for seven days.
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
