'It's really simple, choose to be responsible this holiday season': Festive RIDE kicks off
Police forces across Central Ontario launched the yearly R.I.D.E. initiative to promote a safe holiday season.
On Thursday, OPP Central Region, Barrie police and South Simcoe Police Services were outside Barrie's Sadlon Arena to kick off the festive R.I.D.E. program.
South Simcoe Police Deputy Chief John Van Dyke said it's an important initiative to stop impaired driving.
"I've been doing this job for 32 years, and it is a social problem that is just not going away," he said.
The campaign sees increased police presence 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to keep impaired drivers off the roads.
Police will also conduct spot checks on local trails for impaired ATV or sled operators.
Provincial police report six people lost their lives on OPP Central region patrolled roads so far in 2021 where impairment was a factor.
Already this year, OPP has laid 1,862 impaired driving charges and responded to 447 collisions involving impairment by either alcohol or drugs.
Police say the number of injuries resulting from those crashes was up 22 per cent from last year.
"It's really simple, choose to be responsible this holiday season. If you can't drive sober, just don't drive. If you suspect an impaired driver, make that lifesaving call and dial 911," OPP stated.
OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said provincial police laid 8,000 charges after calls from concerned citizens. "This year alone, the OPP has received 21,000 calls to 911 or star OPP," he said.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) warns motorists who choose to drive impaired fines if convicted could run into the tens of thousands.
"The impact to your auto insurance premium is incredibly high. You could end up paying five times as much after you have the impaired driving conviction on your record than you did prior," said Anne Marie Thomas, IBC.
Thomas noted that those increased costs could stay with drivers for as long as six years.
Police point to the several options now available for motorists who have consumed alcohol or drugs, like calling a cab, uber or a friend.
"You have the power to help stop these senseless and preventable deaths, and we need your help," pleaded OPP Central Region Chief Superintendent Commander Dwight Peer.
The campaign runs throughout the holidays until Jan. 2.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.