Local police departments join forces for ‘Mega RIDE’ program
Posted December 29, 2012 5:03 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
With the holiday season upon us, several GTA police departments have joined forces to crack down on drivers under the influence.
The Caledon OPP detachment, along with York and Peel police, have teamed up to create a ‘Mega RIDE’ initiative aimed at making RIDE checkpoints more visible.
Officials say that on Friday “Mega RIDE” spot check was set up at the junction of Albion-Vaughan Town Line, Mayfield Road and Regional Road 50 in the Town of Caledon between 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Jointly, over 5200 vehicles were checked.
During that time one three-day suspension was handed out, 13 Roadside tests were conducted, two Highway Traffic Act charges were laid and 10 Controlled Drugs and Substance Act charges were laid.
Staff Sergeant Brian Knowler told CityNews police know they need to send a message to drunk drivers.
“We are out here to send a message, that impaired driving, whether it be by drug or alcohol is not acceptable, and this is something we need to talk about,” said Knowler.
Ontarians are being urged to make sure their plans for New Year’s Eve include a sober driver or some other way to get back home. Police also suggest people take public transit or taxis, have a designated driver or stay overnight after the party.
Police will be out in force conducting RIDE spot checks through the night.
Toronto police charged nearly 1,400 people with impaired driving last year, and say the numbers are trending up this year in 2012.
– With files from 680News
