When the holiday season came to a close, it also ended the Ontario Provincial Police's month-long Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere campaign. The results of the initiative left the OPP's commissioner with mixed feelings.
The OPP's annual Festive R.I.D.E. campaign was kicked off November 25 and ended New Year's Day. In that five-week period, provincial authorities were able to get 1,203 impaired drivers off the streets in the six regions under the OPP's jurisdiction. Of this total, 652 were charged with driving under the influence, while an additional 551 were given warnings for having a blood-alcohol concentration level between 0.05 and 0.08. Operating a vehicle with a BAC above 0.08 is illegal.
Last year, the OPP pulled over 921 motorists for suspicion of operating a vehicle in an inebriated state, 308 of which were ultimately charged with impaired driving and 613 were issued Warn Range suspensions.
For the OPP's Chris Lewis, the upshot of the campaign was bittersweet.
"On one hand, I am extremely proud of the hard work on the part of our officers who made this campaign highly-effective in removing these dangerous drivers from our roads over the holidays," said Lewis. "On the other hand, I am disappointed that these drivers would risk their lives and the lives of others."
Even though the official heightened traffic enforcement effort is through, Don Bell, commander of the OPP Highway Safety Division, encouraged motorists to drive as though it's still going on.
"For those who feel relieved that our campaign is over, be warned that our regular R.I.D.E. initiatives will continue to be conducted throughout the province year-round so there is no safe haven for impaired drivers anywhere or anytime on Ontario roads," said Bell.
In addition to monitoring the roads for impaired motorists, the OPP will also be on the lookout to make sure motorists are driving cautiously, as winter's slippery conditions can bring accidents and unwanted auto insurance claims.
Larry Beechey, provincial commander of traffic safety for the OPP, said that it's of utmost importance that motorists tailor their driving behaviour based upon the conditions, as high speeds are the leading cause of collisions in the winter season. He added that even on days where the roads appear to be free and clear, they may be lined with black ice, so constant vigilance is essential.
Bell said that all too often, these words of caution are lost on younger motorists. As a result, he and the OPP are calling upon the public and parents in particular to remind their children and other young drivers about the dangers of driving at excessive rates of speed in the winter.
"Far too many people are continuing to take risks and are paying the ultimate sacrifice," said Bell. "Together we can teach drivers of all ages to become not just good drivers, but good road users."
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