Lambton OPP, CN police and Sarnia police conducting Festive Ride Programs. Photo courtesy of OPP West Region via X. Lambton OPP, CN police and Sarnia police conducting Festive Ride Programs. Photo courtesy of OPP West Region via X.
Sarnia

Police stress importance of planning ahead during ongoing Festive RIDE campaign

Police organizations in Sarnia-Lambton have been busy over the past few weeks in an effort to keep area roadways safe during an ongoing holiday initiative.  

The West Region OPP Festive Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) campaign kicked off on November 21 and will run until January 1, 2025.

"We see there's an increase in social gatherings, festive gatherings, office parties, and friend get-togethers that often includes alcohol and other intoxicating substances, so we do put a lot of focus this time of year on trying to limit the amount of impaired drivers that are on our roadways," said Cst. Steven Duguay.  

He said while they typically see a spike in the number of impaired drivers during this time of year, part of that could be because more officers are out conducting RIDE checks.

"Don't be surprised if you see a RIDE check set up during the morning or even afternoon. There's no time of day really that is restricted to these impaired divers that we'll find," he said.

Aside from identifying impaired drivers, Duguay said the RIDE check serves as an important education opportunity.

"On the education side -- even if we're setting up a RIDE and we're speaking to the drivers, it's just educating them and younger drivers too who may not be familiar with a RIDE check... what to do and what to anticipate when you see one set up on the road," he said. "We'll explain the impacts of consuming alcohol or other intoxicating substances, such as cannabis or prescription medication, that may impact your ability to operate a vehicle."

Duguay said those arrested for impaired driving will face an immediate 90 day licence suspension and 14 day vehicle impoundment. Charges could also result in fees and a criminal record.

"It's pretty significant if you rely on your vehicle for work, for child care, for anything that you need it for," he said. "If you're found guilty in court then there could be another imposed one to two year driving suspension."

Another significant deterrent for driving while impaired should also be the safety risk.

"If you're driving impaired and you cause a collision, you can harm yourself or someone else, or your family members, or other members of the public -- severely or even tragically," he said. "We've seen people lose their lives."

Lambton OPP, CN police and Sarnia police conducting Festive Ride Programs. Photo courtesy of OPP West Region via X. Lambton OPP, CN police and Sarnia police conducting Festive Ride Programs. Photo courtesy of OPP West Region via X.

As of December 12, 16 impaired driving charges have been laid in Lambton County.

West Region OPP said across the 13 detachments, 883 RIDE events have been conducted, 148 impaired driving charges have been laid, and 10 warn-range suspensions were issued so far. Police said the totals are higher compared to the first 21 days of the 2023 Festive Ride campaign.

Duguay said their messaging is to plan ahead as there are other options available in order to get home safely.

"There's taxis, there's other ride share programs that you can contact, or phone a friend or family member to come pick you up," he said.

Meanwhile, Sarnia police launched their Festive Ride campaign in early December.

The Sarnia Police Service said officers will conduct a variety of RIDE initiatives, including spot checks, mobile stops, and increased use of Mandatory Alcohol Screening.

Officers will monitor high-risk areas as part of the campaign.

-With files from Stephanie Chaves

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(File photo courtesy of © CanStockPhoto.com/dehooks)

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