Hamilton Police launch holiday RIDE campaign as impaired driving charges up in 2020

Hamilton Police are reporting an increase in impaired driving charges in 2020 as they launch the annual holiday RIDE campaign.

Officers will be conducting RIDE stops across the city over the holiday season.

“It is our commitment to keeping our roads safe while in partnership with National and Provincial traffic safety strategies,” said a police news release.

“Our goal is to have zero collisions. Sober driving will assist to achieve this.”

Police are reporting a 10 per cent increase in impaired driving charges over last year and say 690 impaired-related charges have been laid.

There have been 164 motor-vehicle collisions involving alcohol and/or drugs this year. That’s up from the 152 reported in 2019.

The annual campaign kicks off Thursday at 5 p.m.