OPP East Region charges 23 drivers in RIDE program’s first week

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Ontario Provincial Police in the East Region have charged 23 drivers with impaired driving since beginning the annual Festive RIDE program a week ago.

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Officers have conducted more than 200 Festive RIDE programs since Nov. 21, stopping hundreds of drivers to ensure they are not impaired by alcohol or drugs.

OPP spokesperson Bill Dickson noted that the East Region was a huge territory with 15 detachments.

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“Rides (are) held by day shift, afternoon shift and night shift,” Dickson said in an email. “Plus our Highway Safety Division officers hold their own RIDEs.”

Officers also issued nine warnings, resulting in those drivers being issued licence suspensions and having their vehicles impounded.

“Impaired drivers are a threat to everyone on the roads, including themselves, their passengers, other drivers and even pedestrians. If you plan to drink or consume drugs, make sure you have a plan. Have a designated driver, take transit, a ride-share or taxi, or just stay put,” East Region Commander Lisa Wilhelm said.

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