The City of Kawartha Lakes Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), along with other policing partners, launched its annual Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign on November 20, 2025. The campaign, running throughout the holiday season, focuses on detecting and removing drivers impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both from Ontario roadways.
Impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of death and serious injury on OPP-patrolled highways. With increased RIDE spot checks taking place across the province, officers are committed to keeping communities safe during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Enforcement Results – First Two Weeks
In the first two weeks of the 2025 Festive RIDE campaign, OPP officers conducted numerous roadside checks across the City of Kawartha Lakes. Early enforcement activity has shown that while many motorists are making responsible choices, impaired driving continues to be a serious concern.
Impaired-Driving Charges Laid
November 27, 2025 – Bobcaygeon
At approximately 9:30 a.m., City of Kawartha Lakes OPP responded to a traffic complaint in Bobcaygeon. Officers located the vehicle, and through investigation, the driver was charged with impaired-driving offences.
Charged:
Natalia NIKITINA, 48, of Bobcaygeon
· Operation while Impaired – Alcohol or drugs
· Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
November 29, 2025 – Lindsay
At approximately 11:23 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop for a Highway Traffic Act offence. Through investigation, the driver was charged with impaired-driving and multiple other offences.
Charged:
Christine WATSON, 41, of Lindsay
· Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
· Drive Motor Vehicle – fail to display two plates (HTA s.7(1)(b)(i))
· Use plate not authorized for vehicle (HTA s.12(1)(d))
· Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle (HTA s.7(5)(a))
· Driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available (LLCA s.42(1)(b))
· Smoke tobacco in motor vehicle while another person under 16 years old present (SFOA s.17(1))
November 29, 2025 – Thunder Bridge Road & Highway 35
At approximately 2:40 a.m., officers conducting a Festive RIDE program spoke with the occupants of a motor vehicle. Through investigation, the driver was charged, and the passenger received a provincial offences notice.
Driver Charged:
Jacob PHILLIPS, 28, of Janetville
· Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
· Having care and control of vehicle with open container of liquor (LLCA s.42(1)(a))
· Driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available (LLCA s.42(1)(b))
Passenger Charged:
Hunter JARVIS, 26, of Cambray
· Having liquor open in an unauthorized place (LLCA s.41(1))
November 30, 2025 – Highway 7 & Greenfield Road
At approximately 3:30 p.m., officers responded to a single-vehicle rollover. Through investigation, the driver was charged with multiple offences, including impaired driving.
Charged:
Leah PATTERSON, 19, of Bobcaygeon
· Operation while Impaired – Alcohol or drugs
· Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
· Careless Driving (HTA s.130(1))
· Driver – fail to properly wear seat belt (HTA s.106(2))
· Novice Driver – B.A.C. above zero (HTA s.44.1(3))
· Young Driver – B.A.C. above zero (HTA s.44.1(5))
Public Reminder
The OPP continues to remind the public:
· Never drive impaired. Plan a safe ride home.
· Call 9-1-1 if you suspect an impaired driver.
· Encourage responsible choices among family, friends, and guests.
The OPP thanks motorists who are doing their part to make Ontario roads safer this holiday season.
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
