Daytime ride program in Niagara

We’re one week from Christmas, and festivities are in full swing. So is the Niagara police Festive Ride campaign.

One o’clock in the afternoon and Niagara police are looking out for impaired drivers.

Not only a problem with young people, surprisingly.

Sgt. Neal Orlando is with the Niagara Regional Police: “It’s still an issue with people in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s when they should be getting the message by now.

Today, Transporation Minister Glen Murray was in Niagara Falls to see this ride spot check at Highway 420 and Montrose.

Sgt. Orlando says: “Drinking and driving is a 12-month a year offence. And we’re out there 12 months of the year.”

Murray says he’s read OPP fatality reports where drunk driving was clearly a factor: “And they’re kind of heart-breaking. We had a few fatalities last week. They’re always
hard. Someone’s Mom, someone’s Dad, someone’s children.

In August, a 75-year old man from Quebec was killed by a suspected drunk driver while crossing the Niagara Parkway near the Falls. His wife and grandson were injured.

Days later at 4:00 in the afternoon, a 55-year old woman was critically injured on Stanley Avenue when a speeding pickup ripped off the back of her car. The 24-year old
behind the wheel was charged with impaired driving.

Impaired driving can be a serious problem here in the Niagara Falls tourist district especially during the holiday season. Because it’s where people come to drink, relax and just have fun.

Sgt. Orlnado says: “Impaired driving is still the number one cause of death in Canada. You’re more likely to die at the hands of an impaired driver than another other cause of criminal death.”

So far this year, Niagara police have charged over 500 people with driving drunk. By New Year’s they expect that number to be about 600. And Wednesday afternoon, Niagara police announced they will now be publishing the names of drivers charged with impaired and those refusing to provide a breath sample.