The annual Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign has concluded, with 179 drivers now facing a combined 288 impaired driving-related charges in Central Region.
From November 20, 2025, to January 1, 2026, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Central Region officers conducted 1,916 Festive RIDE spot checks, totaling 3,517.5 hours of enforcement across 13 detachment areas: Bracebridge, Caledon, City of Kawartha Lakes, Collingwood, Dufferin, Haliburton Highlands, Huntsville, Huronia West, Northumberland, Nottawasaga, Orillia, Peterborough County, and Southern Georgian Bay.
This enforcement effort resulted in 179 impaired drivers being removed from the road and 28 warn-range suspensions issued by Central Region officers.
Provincially, OPP officers removed 766 impaired drivers off the road and issued 150 warn-range suspensions during 11,130 RIDE check events across OPP-patrolled areas in Ontario.
“The Festive RIDE campaign is essential to road safety in Central Region. Impaired driving is not acceptable, period. Removing over 200 impaired drivers during this campaign is both significant and deeply concerning. Every one of those drivers represents a potential tragedy we prevented. Our officers dedicate thousands of hours to keep our roads safe because impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of serious collisions. Plan ahead. Make responsible choices. Never drive impaired. Together, we can protect lives and ensure safe roads for everyone.”
– Superintendent Coyer Yateman, OPP Central Region
If you suspect someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1 to report it.
For more information on Canada’s impaired driving laws, click here: 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
