(PERTH COUNTY, ON) The Perth County OPP wrapped up its 2013 Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign on January 02, 2013. This program was part of a province wide campaign to create visibility and increase awareness pertaining to drinking and driving throughout the holiday season.
The campaign which started on November 23, 2013 was highly visible and successful within Perth County. During the 40 days of the campaign, 45 Perth County OPP officers conducted a total of 168 R.I.D.E. spot checks at various locations throughout the county. Almost ten thousand drivers were spoken to at these spot checks.
During the campaign Perth County OPP officers laid five impaired driving charges and issued two Warn Range and Administrative Driver’s License Suspensions.
These R.I.D.E. checks also netted twenty seven other violations, including drug, liquor, and Highway Traffic Act charges.
Last year’s 2012/2013 Festive R.I.D.E. program in Perth County resulted in the arrest of five motorists for impaired driving while two received Warn Range and Administrative Driver’s License Suspensions.
This year’s Perth County OPP Festive R.I.D.E. numbers are pretty much unchanged from last year, but they still serve as a reminder that a small number of impaired drivers threaten the lives of other road users over the holidays. The Perth County OPP would like to see Perth County drivers make driving sober a New Year’s resolution for 2014.
Motorists are reminded that regular R.I.D.E. programs will continue to be conducted throughout the year in Perth County as part of the OPP’s committed effort to reduce tragic loss of life and injury on Ontario’s roads due to impaired driving.