SUBMITTED

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers across East Region have charged 23 motorists with impaired driving since the Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) initiative began one week ago.

Officers have conducted over 200 Festive RIDE programs since November 21, 2024, stopping hundreds of drivers to ensure they were not impaired by alcohol or drugs.

In addition to the impaired driving arrests, officers also issued nine warnings, resulting on those drivers being issued licence suspensions and having their vehicles impounded.

“Impaired drivers are a threat everyone on the roads, including themselves, their passengers, other drivers and even pedestrians. If you plan to drink or consume drugs, make sure you have a plan. Have a designated driver, take transit, a ride-share or taxi, or just stay put.”

Chief Superintendent Lisa Wilhelm, OPP East Region Commander

RIDE programs can happen anywhere, anytime – day or night.

If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 9-1-1. You could be saving lives.