KAWARTHA LAKES-Police say if you can only give one gift over the holidays, why not make a commitment to never drive while impaired? It’s a commitment every driver can conveniently make from the comfort of their own driver’s seat, at any time of day, on any road.
This formed part of the message delivered by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), who were joined by the Minister of Transportation, York Regional Police, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and many other road/public safety partners to kick off the provincial Festive RIDE campaign.
Beginning this week and right through the holidays, the OPP and its police partners will make full use of their expertise and tools for detecting and investigating alcohol and drug impairment in drivers. Citizens have placed almost 17,000 calls to the OPP this year to report suspected impaired drivers.
“No family should lose a loved one in a collision that involves alcohol and/or drugs, especially during the holidays. Driving sober and drug-free is critical to preventing road fatalities and injuries. You can help make roads even safer by calling 9-1-1 if you see a suspected impaired driver. Let’s work together to make this the safest holiday season yet.”     said Thomas Carrique, Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner.
Mandatory Alcohol Screening allows police to demand a roadside breath test from any lawfully stopped driver, even if there is no evidence or suspicion that the driver is impaired by alcohol.
“Police services across our province are united in their determination to keep our roads and highways safe throughout the year, including during special times of the year like the holiday season. Our message is simple: we want everyone to enjoy the season safely. Impaired driving is never okay.” said Jim Macsween, OACP President and Chief of York Regional Police
