OPP kick off Festive R.I.D.E. campaign

As the holiday parties kick into high-gear — provincial police say they will be out 24/7 as they launch their Festive R.I.D.E. campaign on Thursday.

The initiative will continue until after New Year’s Eve — wrapping up on Jan. 2.

Police say the focus — like previous years — is no different, with officers out in full force trying to keep alcohol and drug impaired drivers off the roads over the holidays.

But, provincial police are also reminding Ontarians that a big part of keeping these drivers off the roads is up to them.

So far this year, more than 21,000 calls have been placed to the OPP to report suspected impaired drivers.

The OPP says during the campaign they will be highly visible as they set up R.I.D.E. programs on highways across the province.

“OPP officers will make full use of their expertise, tools and authority to detect and charge impaired drivers, Together, we have the ability to keep our roads safe over the holidays and throughout the year,” said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique.

Nearly 6,700 R.I.D.E. initiatives were conducted last year — resulting in more than 600 charges.

As for this year — the OPP has already laid more than 8,000 alcohol/drug impaired driving charges.