(MIDLAND, ON)- Members of the Southern Georgian Bay detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police kicked off the annual Festive R.I.D.E. program along with all other detachments and police services across Ontario today which runs on into January 2025.
Officers remind drivers in North Simcoe that robust mandatory alcohol screening laws, vigilant citizens and dedicated officers on patrol observing for possible impaired drivers and conducting R.I.D.E. checks they’ll have plenty to worry about if they choose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs over the holiday season.
Fact is that in the interest of road safety, detachment officers conduct the R.I.D.E. program all year round on detachment patrolled roadways, trails and waterways but at this time of year with more seasonal social events, they will be even more prominent.
So far his week alone, officers have conducted the R.I.D.E. program at eleven separate locations stopped over 102 vehicles checking their drivers for signs of impairment.
On November 18, 2024 officers were conducting a R.I.D.E. program on Brunelle Side Road, Penetanguishene and stopped a vehicle at 10:54 p.m. and spoke with the driver and employing Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) for all drivers entering the program location and using the Roadside Screening Device (RSD) the driver failed the RSD test and further investigation at detachment resulted in the vehicle driver, Meghan BROPHY 36 years of Toronto being charged with Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada.
The accused was released from custody and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on December 19, 2024. A mandatory 90 day drivers licence suspension was imposed, the involved vehicle was towed and is the subject of a 7 day vehicle impound in accordance to the Ministry of Transportation (ADLS) guidelines.
Although the OPP runs its annual Festive RIDE campaign during the holiday season, RIDE spot checks are conducted throughout the year, 24/7. The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you know or suspect that a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1. In doing so, you may save a life. The OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead and to use a designated driver, cab, public transit, or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements. Enforcement and education is essential to save lives and reduce injuries on our trails, roadways and waterways.
