Provincial police are using this year's Festive R.I.D.E. campaign to not only crack down on drunk drivers, but also high drivers.
The annual Festive Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) campaign kicks off across the province this week. It will continue through the holiday season with R.I.D.E. checkpoints set up in various spots, day and night.
In preparation of the campaign, officers were trained on how to detect drug-impaired drivers. OPP have said they are determined to dispel the myth that driving while high on drugs cannot be detected by police and is a safe alternative to driving under the influence of alcohol.
“The solution to ending impaired-related road deaths is a simple one. Never drive if you are impaired by alcohol or drugs and know that you are doing the right thing by calling 911 to report an impaired driver. By working together, we can positively influence driver behaviour in an effort to make sober, drug-free driving a social norm during the holidays and throughout the year,” said OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair.
The OPP have investigated 59 collisions involving a drug-impaired driver so far this year, that's down from 65 last year. The number of people killed in alcohol/drug-related crashes in 2016 currently sits at 35.
Whether a driver is busted while impaired by drugs or alcohol, the penalty is the same. Police note, illegal drugs are not the only drugs that can impair a driver's ability behind the wheel.
In addition to looking for impaired drivers, police will also be on be keeping watch for other bad driver behaviours.
“Anything goes when the R.I.D.E. program is set up,” said OPP Constable Doug Cowell. “Whether it’s cell phone use, seat belt [related], or anything at all that comes into play.”
With public transit and taxis readily available, Cowell said there is no excuse for someone to be driving while intoxicated.
-With files from Natalia Vega.
