Police in Chatham-Kent and beyond will be out in force over the next few weeks to ensure everyone gets home safely.
Today marks the start of the OPP’s annual Festive R.I.D.E. campaign with officers keeping an eye out for impaired drivers.
In the past year, more than 21,000 calls have been made to Provincial Police across Ontario to report suspected drunk drivers, and officers have responded to roughly 2000 collisions involving drugs or alcohol and laid more than 8000 impaired driving charges.
“Losing a loved one in a collision that involves impaired driving is among the most preventable tragedies on our roads,” OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique says. “Make a commitment to never drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs and report anyone you suspect of doing so to the police. During the Festive R.I.D.E. campaign, OPP officers will make full use of their expertise, tools and authority to detect and charge impaired drivers. Together, we have the ability to keep our roads safe over the holidays and throughout the year.”
The Festive R.I.D.E. campaign runs through January 3rd.