(Ottawa) The Ottawa Police Service along with partners, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will conduct several Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) Program checkpoints on a monthly basis over the next year.
The monthly RIDE Program provides policing partners with an opportunity to have a collaborative, coordinated approach to reduce impaired driving in the Ottawa area. The deployment strategies incorporate a comprehensive plan to conduct joint RIDE checkpoints at several locations.
“The partnership between the OPP, RCMP and the Ottawa Police will serve notice to those that continue to drink and drive, that this type of behavior will not be tolerated,†noted Insp. Mike Callaghan, Ottawa Police Service.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, there are approximately 1,250 crash-related impaired deaths in Canada each year. “This statistic illustrates the importance of working collaboratively together to reduce,†added Insp. Callaghan. “Ottawa residents are encouraged to contact 911 when they see someone they believe may be driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Collectively we can make a difference.â€Â
The first monthly multi police agency RIDE Program will take place this evening commencing at 9:30pm and it will be moving to various locations in the Ottawa area.
The message is very simple “If you Drink Don’t Drive. With the additional traffic on the roadways over the Thanksgiving Weekend, police will ensure we are doing everything possible to keep the roadways safe for you and your loved ones,†concluded Insp. Mike Callaghan.