Police services across Ontario launch festive R.I.D.E. campaign

Ontario police leaders have announced the launch of their festive R.I.D.E. campaign against alcohol and drug impaired driving.

The Ontario Association of chiefs of Police (OACP), Ontario provincial police (OPP) and the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) announced at around 10 a.m. Thursday the launching of their R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign ahead of the holiday season.

Supporters of the campaign also spoke at the announcement, including a representative from MADD Canada Steve Meehan.

The campaign will include increased roadside spot-checks along major roadways and off-ramps of highways.

Halton police board chair Jeff Knoll said the HRPS arrested and charged 357 people with impaired driving across region so far.

“As we fast approach the holiday season and indeed every day of the year, all residents to our region have the right to travel by car, bike or on foot, without fear that the vehicle approaching them is being driven by an impaired driver,” he said.

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Officers also say the percentage of drivers killed while under the influence has more than doubled between 2012 and 2020.

OPP Deputy Commissioner Rohan Thompson told CHCH News the province has seen 44 deaths from impaired driving this year so far.

Police say to reduce stay mindful during the holiday season and consider arranging designated drivers, or public transportation instead of risking a drive home while impaired.

R.I.D.E. programs first began in Etobicoke in 1977, originally named Reduce Impaired Driving in Etobicoke, who’s success led to the program’s expansion across the province.