OPP East Region Festive Ride Charges 23 Drivers in First Week of Campaign

Smiths Falls – Twenty-three motorists have been charged with impaired driving since the OPP East Region’s Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) initiative began one week ago.

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

“Impaired drivers are a threat to 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.

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

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