Festive R.I.D.E. Results – Week 6

Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) completed its final week of the Festive R.I.D.E program, stopping more than 1,766 vehicles and charging 12 drivers with impaired driving offences.

DRPS officers conducted R.I.D.E checks throughout the Region of Durham with one goal: roadway safety. Although this program places an emphasis on impaired related offences, officers sought to ensure the safety of the roadways within our region.

This week, our R.I.D.E. team worked closely with frontline officers, the OPP R.I.D.E team and MADD Durham representatives. While the vast majority of motorists are abiding by the rules and regulations, some people seem oblivious to the dangers of impaired driving. One driver even had an unsecured toddler in the car while operating impaired by drugs

The 2022 Festive R.I.D.E final totals are as follows (with the 2021 Festive R.I.D.E. final totals in brackets).

9,907    (6,761) Vehicles stopped by R.I.D.E.
492       (176)    People given Roadside Breath Tests
41         (18)      People received “3 Day Suspensions” for registering a “WARN”
10         (50)      Novice Driver received a 3, 7 or 30  Licence Suspension
77         (65)      People were charged with Impaired Driving Offences
35         (14)      Other Criminal Code Charges
692       (265)    Charged with various Highway Traffic Act offences
2           (1)        Drug Offences

After the final week, the R.I.D.E team charged a total of 77 motorists with impaired driving offences. Last year, a total of 65 were charged. That being said, nearly 10,000 vehicles were checked, proving the majority of the drivers are following the rules and regulations. Our members are thankful for that and grateful for the calls and information provided by the public with respect to impaired drivers. Please remember: If you see it, report it – it could save a life.

As the 2022 Festive R.I.D.E. program comes to a close we remind the public that our officers work 24-hours-a-day, seven-days a week,365 days-a-year and are always focused on reducing impaired driving and road safety.

A complete list of those charged with Impaired/Exceed will be posted on our website at www.drps.ca.

Note: Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, anyone charged with a criminal impaired driving offence will have their driver’s licence suspended for ninety days and their vehicle impounded automatically for seven days.

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