You're seeing them a lot on the roads this holiday season, and now the province is providing them with more support.
The Ontario government has set up a $2.4 million grant fund for RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) programs. This money will help 172 law-enforcement agencies across Ontario maintain the funding they need to continue the road checks.
Police services set up RIDE programs at strategic places on area roads and highways. They can go up at any time, but there is an emphasis on weekends, holiday periods and the Christmas season. Drivers are briefly interviewed to determine if there is impairment by alcohol or drugs. If there is, roadside sobriety checks take place.
The timing of the funding is especially important not just because of the holiday season, but also because recreational cannabis is legal. Ontario Solicitor General Sylvia Jones said this funding would ensure RIDE programs can be continued and expanded.
"Sadly, impaired driving continues to be the leading criminal cause of death and injury in Canada," said Jones. "The funding our local police services receive will help them conduct regular roadside spot-checks and education campaigns needed to detect impaired drivers and keep our roads safe throughout the year."
Over 1,700 people have died on Ontario's roads in the past decade due to impaired driving, with over 25,000 injured. Jones said the RIDE programs are more critical than ever, and not just at Christmastime.
"Impaired drivers, whether by drugs or alcohol, can be found on the road every single day, not just around the holidays," said Jones. "It's simple. Don't get behind the wheel if you're impaired. Make alternative arrangements to get home. This single decision can save your life and the lives of others."
When you are out celebrating with family, friends and coworkers this holiday season, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reminds you to designate a driver, take a cab, public transit, or Uber; or spend the night wherever you plan to celebrate. If you see someone on the road driving erratically, call 911. That call may save your life or someone else's.
