OPP RIDE Nets Over 1,200 Impaired Drivers

(SOUTH BRUCE, ON) – The OPP Festive R.I.D.E. campaign from November 25, 2011 to January 1, 2012 removed a total of 1203 impaired drivers off our roads and highways that are policed by the OPP. Of this total, 652 were charged with impaired driving and the other 551 were issued immediate Warn Range suspensions for having a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) between .05 and .08. In comparison, during the 2010-2011 Festive R.I.D.E. campaign, 308 drivers were charged with impaired driving and 613 were issued Warn Range suspensions.

“On one hand, I am extremely proud of the hard work on the part of our officers who made this campaign highly-effective in removing these dangerous drivers from our roads over the holidays. On the other hand, I am disappointed that these drivers would risk their lives and the lives of others”, said OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis.

In 2011, 47 people died in alcohol-related crashes on OPP-patrolled roads.

“The results of our Festive R.I.D.E. campaign and the dangers associated with driving impaired have been widely-publicized in the news, yet more than 1200 drivers still chose to ignore our strong messaging and warnings about impaired driving”, says HSD Commander Chief Bell. “For those who feel relieved that our campaign is over, be warned that our regular R.I.D.E. initiatives will continue to be conducted throughout the province year-round so there is no safe haven for impaired drivers anywhere or anytime on Ontario roads” – Chief Superintendent Don Bell, OPP Highway Safety Division.

At the South Bruce Detachment, 10 drivers were pulled off the road during the Festive R.I.D.E. campaign. 6 were issued Warn Range suspensions, the other 4 were charged for Impaired driving.

“The Festive R.I.D.E. campaign ended on January 1st, 2012, but an impaired driver represents a serious threat to public safety on the road all year long. During this year’s campaign, 10 drivers were stopped and found to have been drinking alcohol before driving. These 10 drivers put lives at risk by choosing to drive after drinking. The residents of Southern Bruce County can expect the R.I.D.E. checks to continue all year, along with a zero tolerance for those that drive after drinking alcohol. Drive sober or don’t drive at all” – Inspector Bill Klym, Commander, South Bruce OPP.

The OPP would like to thank all those who acted responsibly over the holidays by driving sober and helping to make Ontario roads safe for everyone.

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