OPP East Region Festive Ride Wrap-Up

Smiths Falls – Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers across the East Region arrested another 10 impaired drivers during the final week of the Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign.

This brings the preliminary total to 113 motorists charged with impaired driving since the initiative began on November 21, 2024.

“While Festive RIDE may be over, OPP members across East Region will continue to hold RIDE programs and be on the lookout for those who choose to endanger lives by driving while impaired. Even one impaired driver on the roads is one too many. I want to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our officers who conducted RIDE programs over the holiday season. Their efforts helped keep our roadways safe.” – Chief Superintendent Lisa Wilhelm, OPP East Region Commander.

Officers conducted nearly 1200 Festive RIDE programs across eastern Ontario, stopping vehicles to ensure the drivers were not impaired by alcohol or drugs.

In addition to the impaired driving arrests, officers also issued a total of 29 warning-range suspensions, resulting in those drivers being issued licence suspensions and having their vehicles impounded.

RIDE programs don’t stop after the holidays. They can happen anywhere, anytime. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 9-1-1. You could be saving lives.