O.P.P. Launches 2011 Festive R.I.D.E. campaign
Posted Nov 24th 2011 3:45PM
CommentsAdd
Some folks still don't grasp the concept that boozing and driving don't mix at the best of times. The problem gets worse during the holiday season, as folks who may not normally drink and drive are now attending festive parties after work, not to mention the occasional weekend cookie party.
As a result, police across Canada have to put extra resources into keeping our roads safe to increase the chances of the rest of us arriving at our destination in one piece.
In Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will operate their annual Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program from November 25 until the parties stop on New Year's Day.
During last year's effort, the OPP charged 308 drivers with Impaired Driving and a further 903 received warnings or had their licence suspended.
Do us all a favour this holiday season and use your head before you drink and then get behind the wheel. Click past the jump for the OPP issued press blast with some important information about being stopped by R.I.D.E.
November 22 2011
OPP Launch 2011 Festive R.I.D.E. Campaign
AURORA, ON, Nov. 22, 2011 - Impaired driving is a public safety problem year-round but sadly the threat only worsens during the holidays according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
The OPP is conducting its annual Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign fromNovember 25, 2011 to January 1, 2012 and is reminding motorists that province-wide R.I.D.E. stops will be highly-visible throughout the holiday season.
During last year's R.I.D.E. campaign (2010-2011), the OPP laid 308 impaired driving charges and issued 903 Warn Range and Administrative Driver's License Suspensions.
Impaired driving continues to be the leading cause of criminal death in Canada. As of mid-November (2011), 40 people have died in alcohol-related collisions on OPP-patrolled roads and highways compared to 75 this same time last year (2010). While the number is down significantly this year, even one alcohol-related death is one too many and motorists need to be more proactive in eliminating these preventable fatalities altogether according to the OPP.
"Year after year, our Festive R.I.D.E. campaign proves effective in taking impaired drivers off our roads. If you're drinking, come up with a plan that involves not driving such as taking a cab, a bus or have a designated driver. Don't drink and drive, don't let those who are drinking drive and be sure to report those who do". - C/Supt. Don Bell, Commander, OPP Highway Safety Division.
Thinking of refusing a breath test?
Think again. Motorists who refuse a breath test will be charged with a criminal code offence and immediately have their driver's license suspended for 90 days.
Think you can have a few drinks and be sure you'll blow under the legal limit?
Think again. Drivers who blow in the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) "Warn Range" of .05 to .08 pose a danger to themselves and other road users. If caught driving in the warn range, you will receive an immediate 3-day driver's licence suspension at the roadside and the suspension period increases with subsequent offences to 7 then 30 days.
Think your family and friends won't report a loved one or other driver who takes to the wheel while impaired?
Think again. The last thing people want to deal with over the holidays is the devastation of losing a loved one to an impaired driver. The OPP is asking Ontarians to help them crack down on impaired drivers this holiday season. If you suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1.
We Want to Hear From You
The OPP encourages the public to sign up and participate in our social media discussions by following the links to our French and English social media accounts posted on the front page of the OPP website. Give us your thoughts about impaired driving and show your support for the officers who will be working around the clock to make sure that you and your loved ones have safe and enjoyable holiday season.
OPP Launch 2011 Festive R.I.D.E. Campaign
AURORA, ON, Nov. 22, 2011 - Impaired driving is a public safety problem year-round but sadly the threat only worsens during the holidays according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
The OPP is conducting its annual Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign fromNovember 25, 2011 to January 1, 2012 and is reminding motorists that province-wide R.I.D.E. stops will be highly-visible throughout the holiday season.
During last year's R.I.D.E. campaign (2010-2011), the OPP laid 308 impaired driving charges and issued 903 Warn Range and Administrative Driver's License Suspensions.
Impaired driving continues to be the leading cause of criminal death in Canada. As of mid-November (2011), 40 people have died in alcohol-related collisions on OPP-patrolled roads and highways compared to 75 this same time last year (2010). While the number is down significantly this year, even one alcohol-related death is one too many and motorists need to be more proactive in eliminating these preventable fatalities altogether according to the OPP.
"Year after year, our Festive R.I.D.E. campaign proves effective in taking impaired drivers off our roads. If you're drinking, come up with a plan that involves not driving such as taking a cab, a bus or have a designated driver. Don't drink and drive, don't let those who are drinking drive and be sure to report those who do". - C/Supt. Don Bell, Commander, OPP Highway Safety Division.
Thinking of refusing a breath test?
Think again. Motorists who refuse a breath test will be charged with a criminal code offence and immediately have their driver's license suspended for 90 days.
Think you can have a few drinks and be sure you'll blow under the legal limit?
Think again. Drivers who blow in the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) "Warn Range" of .05 to .08 pose a danger to themselves and other road users. If caught driving in the warn range, you will receive an immediate 3-day driver's licence suspension at the roadside and the suspension period increases with subsequent offences to 7 then 30 days.
Think your family and friends won't report a loved one or other driver who takes to the wheel while impaired?
Think again. The last thing people want to deal with over the holidays is the devastation of losing a loved one to an impaired driver. The OPP is asking Ontarians to help them crack down on impaired drivers this holiday season. If you suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1.
We Want to Hear From You
The OPP encourages the public to sign up and participate in our social media discussions by following the links to our French and English social media accounts posted on the front page of the OPP website. Give us your thoughts about impaired driving and show your support for the officers who will be working around the clock to make sure that you and your loved ones have safe and enjoyable holiday season.
