Key Takeaways
- The Festive RIDE program has been launched by five local police services to curb impaired driving during the holiday season
- Impaired driving can result in severe consequences, including licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, fines, and jail time
- Drivers under 22, those with a G1 or G2 licence, and commercial drivers face automatic three-day licence suspension if caught with any alcohol or cannabis in their system
- Police are trained to identify impaired drivers, including those under the influence of substances other than alcohol
- The public is urged to plan ahead and not get behind the wheel if they have been drinking or using narcotics
Introduction to the Festive RIDE Program
The holiday season is a time for celebration and merriment, but it is also a time when the risks of impaired driving increase. To combat this, five local police services, including the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, Anishinabek Police Service, Batchewana First Nation Police, OPP, and RCMP, have come together to launch this year’s Festive RIDE program. The program aims to keep the roads safe by curbing impaired driving throughout December. At a news conference held on Bay Street near the Gateway Casino, Sault Police Chief Brent Duguay emphasized the importance of planning ahead and not taking the risk of getting behind the wheel after drinking.
The Risks of Impaired Driving
Impaired driving is a serious offense that can have severe consequences, including the suspension of one’s driver’s licence, vehicle impoundment, fines, and even jail time. According to Chief Duguay, police have seen a rise in impaired driving recently, which can be attributed to an increase in impaired by drug charges. This is due to the fact that officers are now trained to identify individuals who are impaired by substances other than alcohol. The OPP hosted 119 RIDE checks in the Sault area last year, resulting in six impaired driving charges and nine warn-range suspensions. These statistics highlight the need for continued education and enforcement to prevent impaired driving.
Consequences of Impaired Driving
The consequences of impaired driving are severe and can have a significant impact on an individual’s life. Certain drivers, such as those under the age of 22, drivers with a G1 or G2 licence, or commercial drivers, face an automatic three-day licence suspension if they are caught with any alcohol or cannabis in their system. Convicted drivers can face suspensions, heavy fines, vehicle impoundment, mandatory alcohol education and treatment programs, the ignition interlock program, and a potential increase in the cost of their insurance. These consequences serve as a deterrent to those who would consider getting behind the wheel after drinking or using narcotics.
Police Efforts to Prevent Impaired Driving
The police are taking a proactive approach to preventing impaired driving by increasing the number of RIDE checks and educating the public about the risks and consequences of impaired driving. Chief Duguay emphasized the importance of planning ahead and not taking the risk of getting behind the wheel after drinking. He urged individuals to call a cab, plan for a ride, or spend the night rather than risking their lives and the lives of others. The police are also trained to identify impaired drivers, including those under the influence of substances other than alcohol. This increased enforcement and education aim to reduce the number of impaired driving incidents and keep the roads safe during the holiday season.
The Importance of Public Awareness
Public awareness and education are crucial in preventing impaired driving. The Festive RIDE program is an important initiative that aims to educate the public about the risks and consequences of impaired driving. By working together, the police and the public can help to reduce the number of impaired driving incidents and keep the roads safe. Chief Duguay’s message is clear: "If you’re drinking anything or using any kind of narcotic, don’t get behind the wheel." The public is urged to take this message seriously and plan ahead to avoid the risks associated with impaired driving. By doing so, we can all contribute to a safer and more responsible community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Festive RIDE program is an important initiative that aims to curb impaired driving during the holiday season. The police are taking a proactive approach to preventing impaired driving by increasing the number of RIDE checks and educating the public about the risks and consequences of impaired driving. The public is urged to plan ahead and not get behind the wheel if they have been drinking or using narcotics. By working together, we can help to reduce the number of impaired driving incidents and keep the roads safe. Remember, there is no excuse for drinking and driving, and the consequences of impaired driving are severe. Let us all do our part to promote a safer and more responsible community.
