Ontario Provincial Police say the 2025 Festive RIDE campaign resulted in nearly 180 impaired drivers being removed from Central Region roadways over the holiday season.
Between November 20, 2025 and January 1, 2026, OPP Central Region officers conducted 1,916 RIDE spot checks across 13 detachment areas, including Northumberland, Peterborough County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes. Police logged more than 3,500 hours of enforcement during the campaign.
As a result, officers laid a total of 288 impaired driving related charges and issued 28 warn range suspensions. Police say the campaign is designed to deter impaired driving while increasing public awareness of the risks associated with driving after consuming alcohol or drugs.
Across Ontario, OPP report similar enforcement results. Provincially, officers conducted more than 11,000 RIDE check events, removing 766 impaired drivers from the road and issuing 150 warn range suspensions during the same period.
OPP Central Region says impaired driving continues to be one of the leading causes of serious and fatal collisions, particularly during high-traffic periods such as the holiday season. Police stress that impaired driving is preventable and encourage drivers to plan ahead by arranging a designated driver, using public transportation, or calling a ride service.
Anyone who suspects an impaired driver is urged to contact police immediately by calling 9-1-1.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
