the OPP
The OPP is taking the rare step of thanking Ontario drivers ahead of its 2013 Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign for not driving impaired over the holidays and for helping them get impaired drivers off our roads.
The reason for the early thank-you is because the OPP knows the vast majority of drivers do understand that enforcement is only part of the solution, and that driving sober is the single-most important factor in ending the numerous impaired driving-related deaths that occur on Ontario roads every year.
The OPP considers these drivers to be among their most dedicated road safety partners because they share the responsibility of saving lives on our roads through responsible driving behaviour.
This year’s Festive R.I.D.E. campaign runs from Nov. 23-Jan. 2.
The public can expect to see as many Festive R.I.D.E. stops as ever during this year’s campaign, in order to deal with the relatively small number of drivers who choose to get an impaired driving charge over the simpler and less-costly solution of not getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.
Unfortunately, the irresponsible behaviour of one driver can negatively affect the lives of many.
“I am calling on all road users to help us keep everyone safe over the holidays,” said Chief Superintendent Don Bell, Commander, OPP Highway Safety Division.
“Never allow yourself to drink and drive, and never allow someone you suspect is impaired by alcohol or drugs to drive.
“And if you are out on the road and suspect that a driver is impaired, call 9-1-1,” he added.
The OPP also is reminding drivers that there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption when driving.
This is evident every year in the number of Warn Range Suspensions the OPP issues to drivers whose blood alcohol concentration (BAC) falls within the 0.05-0.08 mg range.
