Heading into the third week of Festive RIDE efforts and more than 500 RIDE checks already, police are continuing to call on motorists to make smart choices when getting behind the wheel.
In the East Region OPP area – from Quinte West to the Quebec boundary and northwest through the Ottawa Valley area – police said more than 500 Festive RIDE programs have already been conducted this season since Nov. 20.
This translates to hundreds of drivers being stopped to ensure they’re not behind the wheel impaired by alcohol or drugs. Already this year, police said 49 people have been charged with impaired driving.
In addition to being dished out future court dates, all of the accused had their licences suspended for 90 days and vehicles impounded for seven days.
Meanwhile, officers said they’ve also issued nine three-day licence suspensions for drivers found in warning range when administered roadside sobriety tests.
“Choosing to drive while impaired is putting your life and the lives of everyone on the road at risk,” stressed Chief Superintendent Lisa Wilhem, OPP East Region commander. “If you plan to drink or consume drugs, have a plan.”
“That could include a designated driver, transit, a ride-share or taxi – or just stay put.”
The Festive RIDE campaign continues until Jan. 1, 2026, and the motoring public should expect to see RIDE checks continuing – at any time, day or night, said police.
As previously reported earlier this year, police earlier warned of a “robust” Festive RIDE season planned in response to a staggering provincewide increase in impaired driving charges.
Police continue to call on citizens to report impaired or suspected impaired driving by calling 911, stressing that call could save a life.
Just last week, when reporting on its roundup after the first week of Festive RIDE efforts, OPP reported 34 arrests, along with 270 RIDE checks.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
