(Oakville, ON) – The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) kicked-off the Provincial Festive R.I.D.E. campaign today, which will be implemented by police services across Ontario during the holiday season. The annual campaign promotes traffic enforcement and raises awareness about the many dangers associated with alcohol- and drug-impaired driving.
The event in Oakville included police services and campaign supporters dedicated to promoting safe driving throughout Ontario this holiday season.
Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs continues to be the leading contributing factor in serious road collisions in Canada. Police services and their community partners are urging drivers not to drive if they have consumed drugs or alcohol that might impair their ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Quick facts:
- In Ontario, one in three roadway fatalities involves impaired driving.
- A 2022 roadside survey found that one in five drivers tested positive for drugs, alcohol, or both.
- The percentage of drivers killed while under the influence of cannabis more than doubled between 2012 and 2020.
R.I.D.E. programs remain an important part of road safety as they are a visible reminder to motorists to not drive impaired. All young drivers, novice drivers and commercial drivers are required by law to have zero presence of alcohol and/or drugs in their system while driving.
Road safety is a collective responsibility. As such, we encourage community members to commit to:
· Planning and arranging for a designated driver or public transportation
· Offering a sober ride to a friend who has been drinking or consuming drugs
· Calling 9-1-1 to report suspected impaired drivers
· Enjoying responsibly
Quotes:
“The OACP and police services across our province are united in their determination to keep our roads and highways safe throughout the year, including during special times of the year like the holiday season. Our message is simple: we want everyone to enjoy the season safely. Impaired driving is never okay.”
· Roger Wilkie, Deputy Chief of Police, Halton Regional Police Service & OACP President
“Everyone deserves to reach their destination safely and celebrate the holidays with their loved ones. That is why our government continues to crack down on those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Earlier this year, our government introduced the Safer Roads and Communities Act, 2024. If passed, the legislation would introduce a lifetime licence suspension for anyone convicted of impaired driving causing death and establish a time-limited zero-tolerance condition for all convicted impaired drivers. There is no excuse for alcohol- or drug-impaired driving under any circumstances.”
· Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation
“We all have a role to play in keeping people safe on Ontario’s roads. As you gather with family, friends and colleagues over the holidays, please devise a plan that ensures no one in your presence gets behind the wheel if they have consumed alcohol or taken drugs. Your actions, combined with robust impaired driving enforcement on the part of the OPP and its valued policing partners, can go a long way towards saving lives”.
· Thomas Carrique, Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner
