Festive RIDE Campaign Begins

The Superior East Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is conducting their annual Festive “Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere” (RIDE) campaign from Thursday, November 17, 2022 to Monday, January 2, 2023. The Festive RIDE Campaign has become a familiar part of the holiday season and is one of the OPP’s most important traffic safety initiatives. Impairment from alcohol, cannabis, prescription/illegal drugs, or fatigue is a significant road safety issue. Every year, countless lives are lost to those individuals who make the decision to get behind the wheel and drive while impaired. So far in 2022, 51 people have been killed on OPP-patrolled roads in alcohol/drug-related collisions.  

During the 2022 Festive RIDE initiative, officers will be utilizing Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) as a deterrent for drivers and to identify impaired operators. If you are a fully licenced driver and you refuse to take a drug or alcohol test, or register a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.08%, you will face a 90-day licence suspension and 7-day vehicle impoundment. Young, novice and commercial drivers (A-F, G1, G2, M1, and M2 licences) must follow the “zero tolerance” rule, which means zero alcohol in their blood when driving. Drug impaired driving is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol, and drivers are subject to the same severe penalties.

Expect to see officers out in full force this season, conducting RIDE in our communities and on our highways. Police will be on the lookout for impaired drivers who are putting the public’s safety at risk. Motorists are reminded to be careful when approaching a RIDE location, as officers will be standing in live lanes of traffic. When you see flashing lights: slow down, proceed with caution and keep a safe distance from officers.

When you operate a motor vehicle, you have a responsibility to keep yourself, your passengers and other road users safe. Please have a plan before you go out to celebrate this holiday season and make the decision not to drive impaired. Arrange for a designated driver, call a taxi or stay overnight.

If you suspect a driver is impaired by alcohol, drug or even fatigue, please call 9-1-1 or contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

The Superior East OPP wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season!