2022 Festive R.I.D.E. Campaign Launch

Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) officially kicked off our 2022 Festive R.I.D.E (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign today at Durham Regional Headquarters in Whitby.

Over the next six weeks our R.I.D.E team will be out across Durham Region ensuring our roadways are safe. Last year’s R.I.D.E campaign saw a total of 6,766 vehicles stopped, with 65 drivers charged with drinking and driving offences – an increase in the number of impaired drivers from 2020 where 8,464 vehicles were stopped and 51 charged.

We are especially concerned that, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada (MADD), the impaired driving rate increased by 7.1 per cent in 2021 after two years of decline.

DRPS Police Services Board Chair Bobbie Drew and Chief Todd Rollauer helped kick-off this year’s campaign. Chief Rollauer had a message for motorists. “Impaired driving will not be tolerated.  The holiday season should be a time of joy and happy memories and not of tragedy,” he said. “In 2021, Durham Regional Police Service had 745 impaired driving incidents, up from 722 in 2020. So far this year we have had 667 and will likely surpass the last two years. This is far too many. We can and must do better.”

DRPS’ R.I.D.E team lead Acting Sgt. Bob Baumgartner added, “This year you can count on a very visible presence and our team will be leveraging our community partnerships to provide collaborative and innovative approaches to reducing impaired driving everywhere.”  DRPS will be working closely with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission, educating and using enforcement where necessary at licensed establishments. We will also be partnering with the OPP for joint R.I.D.E. initiatives and most importantly – we will be relying on our most valuable partners – YOU, the members of the community. If you see someone driving and believe they are impaired, call 9-1-1.

MADD also launched its annual "Project Red Ribbon” campaign to promote sober driving during the holiday season and remind Canadians about the importance of planning ahead for a sober ride home.

The holiday season remains a busy time on our roadways and still a time of high risk for impaired driving. MADD Durham Region is urging people to take a few minutes to plan ahead. If you’re going to be consuming alcohol, cannabis or other drugs, arrange a sober ride. For more information on MADD Durham Region's Project Red Ribbon campaign visit, MADD Chapters.ca/Durham or follow them on social media @MADDDurham

If you see a driver you suspect is impaired, please call 9-1-1 to report it to police; the call you make could save a life.  DRPS wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

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