Police roll out Festive R.I.D.E. program to nab drunk drivers
Drinking and driving is an issue during the holidays. Instances of drinking and driving increase amid holiday parties, dinners and work events. There is no shortage of situations where having a few drinks can lead to a bad decision.
Remember, it’s up to you to make the right decision. When planning on having a few drinks, it is your responsibility to choose NOT to drive when drinking and make alternative arrangements.
To help keep Ontario roads safe over the holidays, the Ontario Provincial Police have rolled out their Festive R.I.D.E. program again this year to catch drunk drivers. This year’s campaign began November 24th and will run until January 2nd, 2015.
"The OPP goal is to get through the holiday season without losing a single life to impaired driving. We will use a combination of public education and focused enforcement to drive home the message that impaired driving on Ontario roads is never acceptable," said OPP Commissioner, Vince Hawkes.
OPP drug recognition experts will also be out in full force and effect to remove drivers under the influence of drugs. Driving under the influence of drugs is increasingly becoming an issue as there was a 32 percent increase in 2014 in the number of drug impaired driving occurrences compared to 2013.
There is some good news. According to Northcumberland.ca, “In 2014 up to the end of September, 5,685 impaired charges have been laid by the OPP. Encouragingly, this is down 17 percent from the same period in 2013 which saw 6,842 impaired charges laid.”
People are getting the message about the dangers of drinking and driving. Fewer people are getting behind the wheel after having a few drinks, and together we can make our roads safer over the holidays.
Make alternative arrangements before getting behind the wheel
The key to avoiding making a poor decision and getting behind the wheel when you shouldn’t is to make alternative arrangements if you plan on drinking. Even a couple of drinks can impair your ability to drive safely. There is no safe amount of alcohol when driving!
- Avoid drinking and driving by making alternative arrangements:
- Don’t drive if you plan on drinking
- Call a cab
- Arrange for someone to pick you up
- Take public transportation
- Walk home if you are close
- Assign a designated driver ahead of time
- Call a designated driver service
- Stay the night
These are all viable options that will help you avoid making a poor decision once you have been drinking.
Learn more how to stop drinking and driving once and for all
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Know Your Limits – Don’t Drink and Drive
3 Important Driving Decisions You Will Be Faced With This Christmas Season