Drivers have role in RIDE campaign

-OPP photo

T’is the season to eat, drink and be merry! But the OPP are reminding drivers not to drink and get behind the wheel.

The Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign will see an increased number of OPP officers conducting checks throughout Prince Edward County looking for impaired drivers, said Anthony Mann, Community Services Officer.

This year’s RIDE campaign will run until the second week of January – an extension from the usual end date of January 2.

Enforcement can only do so much, said Mann. “Drivers are understanding more and more the role they play in keeping impaired drivers off the road. Anyone on the road who suspects a driver is impaired is asked to call 911.”

For the past eight years, thanks to George’s Water Haulage and numerous sponsors, bottled water has been donated for OPP officers to distribute at RIDE checks.

Sponsors include: Wellington Rotary Club,  Prince Edward Auto Club, Pure County Bottled Water, Royal Canadian Legion Br. 78 Picton, Prince Edward County Fire Department, Cronkie’s Cab, Picton Elks, Hicks/Whattam Funeral Home, McDougall Stanton Insurance, Picton Kinette Club, Kinsmen Club of Picton and Picton Rotary Club.

Statistics from 2011 listed Ontario with one of the lowest impaired driving rates. But it still happens. In 2011 and 2012, a total of 1,375 impaired driving charges were laid in Ontario. A further 1,208 Warn Range Suspensions were issued to drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.05 to 0.08. Drivers issued with a Warn Range Suspension lose their licence immediately for at least three days.