The Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have concluded the annual Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign.
The campaign, which ran from November 21, 2024, until January 1, 2025, was led by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) and involves a collaboration among Ontario police services to keep roads free of alcohol-impaired and drug-impaired drivers. During the campaign, officers were highly visible as they conducted RIDE initiatives 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The results of the RIDE campaign show that drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs continue to pose a threat to Ontario roads.
– Officers conducted 192 RIDE programs
– Number of drivers charged with impaired, over 80 or refusal – 14
Out of the number of individuals charged with impaired, two were as a result investigations into motor vehicle collisions.
Northumberland OPP would like to take this opportunity to thank the concerned citizens who contacted police to report possible impaired drivers.
Police remind the public not to drive when planning to consume alcohol or drugs. Please make other arrangements for alternative transport such as a designated driver, taxi, rideshare, public transit or staying the night.
Operation Red Nose – YMCA Northumberland is a local program dedicated to saving lives by providing a free safe ride service for impaired drivers during the festive period. Northumberland OPP praise the efforts of organizers and volunteers to reduce impaired driving and support this initiative as an alternative form of transport.
Festive RIDE has wrapped up however you can still expect to see Northumberland OPP officers out day and night throughout the year, ensuring drivers are driving sober.
Learn more about the consequences and penalties of driving impaired at: Impaired driving | ontario.ca
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
