The Ontario Provincial Police OPP Festive "Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere" (RIDE) campaign will soon be in full swing, running from November 26, to January 2.
OPP officers will work around the clock during the campaign, conducting RIDE check stops across the North East Region," says Constable Jennifer Smith. "These enforcement efforts, combined with the help of all citizens, to intervene when they suspect that someone is driving, or about to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs, will prevent innocent lives from being lost this holiday season."
Police remind motorists to be mindful when approaching a RIDE location. Officer safety is paramount as they are standing in live lanes of traffic. When you see the flashing lights, slow down, proceed with caution, and allow the officers a safe distance from your vehicle.
"With this RIDE campaign underway, the OPP is determined to dispel the myth that driving while high on drugs cannot be detected by police and is a safe alternative to driving under the influence of alcohol," adds Smith.
Through the OPP Drug Evaluation and Classification Program, officers are trained as Drug Recognition Evaluators (DRE), giving them the authority and tools needed to detect drug-impaired drivers. A charge of impaired by drug involves all drugs, be it prescription, over-the-counter, and those that are illegal.
Impaired by drug is a crime under the Criminal Code of Canada and drivers who are charged with that offence are subject to the same penalties as those who are charged with driving while impaired by alcohol.
As of December 18, 2018, the new Mandatory Alcohol Screening law, allows police with an approved alcohol screening device to demand a roadside breath sample from any lawfully stopped driver without having reasonable suspicion that a driver is alcohol-impaired.
Officers can issue an immediate roadside driver's licence suspension to drivers who register a Blood Alcohol Concentration in the "Warn Range" (between 0.05 and 0.08).
Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.
Temiskaming OPP Inspector Joel Breault, is advising the public that, "The OPP remains committed to ensuring Ontario roads and trails are safe from alcohol and drug-impaired drivers. All motorists should expect to be stopped and/or encounter a RIDE program. If you are going to consume alcohol or drugs, please make appropriate arrangements ahead of time, to make sure everyone can enjoy a happy and safe festive season."
