OPP Charged 34 Drivers in First Week of Festive Ride

Smiths Falls – Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers across East Region have charged 34 motorists with impaired driving since the Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) initiative began one week ago.

Officers have conducted over 270 Festive RIDE programs since Thursday, November 20, 2025, stopping hundreds of drivers to ensure they were not impaired by alcohol or drugs.

The 34 drivers who were arrested all had their licences suspended for 90 days, and their vehicles were impounded for seven days, plus they each have a scheduled court appearance.

In addition to the impaired driving arrests, officers also issued seven three-day licence suspensions for drivers who were found to be in the warning range on an approved roadside alcohol screening device.

“Choosing to drive while impaired is putting your life, and the lives of everyone on the road, at risk. If you plan to drink or consume drugs, have a plan. That could include a designated driver, transit, a ride-share or taxi, or just stay put.” -Chief Superintendent Lisa Wilhelm, OPP East Region Commander.

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.