Week Four of OPP Festive Ride: Number of Impaired Drivers Continues to Increase

SMITHS FALLS – Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers across East Region arrested another 18 impaired drivers during the fourth week of the Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign.

This brings the total number of motorists charged with impaired driving since the initiative began on November 21, 2024, to 83.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts everyone at risk. The safety of our community always comes first, so you can expect our officers will be out enforcing the laws, and keeping our roadways safe. If you are celebrating throughout this holiday season, I urge you to make responsible choices. Let’s all do our part to ensure this holiday season is safe for everyone.” – Chief Superintendent Lisa Wilhelm, OPP East Region Commander.

Officers have conducted over 795 Festive RIDE programs, stopping vehicles to ensure the drivers were not impaired by alcohol or drugs.

In addition to the impaired driving arrests, officers also issued 23 warning-range suspensions, resulting in those drivers being issued licence suspensions and having their vehicles impounded.

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

If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 9-1-1. You could be saving lives.