The Festive RIDE program was launched today by Timmins Police, the Ontario Provincial Police and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) with a reminder to all drivers about the dangers of impaired driving.
This year the RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program will have a new a broader focus.
In addition to late evening and early morning roadside checks there will be more early evening checks and some even during the day.
The program will run from November 23 to January 2, 2016.
“In the past we focused on impaired drivers in the late evening and early morning hours,” explained Timmins Traffic Sergeant Tom Chypyha, “But based on data from accident support services section we noticed we have had a number of collisions that are caused by impaired driving occurred in the early evening hour.”
“The holiday season is a time for festive fun and family gatherings,” he added. “We remind all motorists that drinking and driving is intolerable if you are caught driving impaired you will be charged and hopefully convicted.”
Speaking on behalf of the OPP, Sergeant Dan Foy also emphasized the random spot checks will be held during all times of the day.
“Over the next few weeks we will be present during all times of the day not only in the evening but also in the day doing random checks,” Sgt. Foy said.
“Recently we have seen an increase in daytime collisions involving impaired driving,” Foy added.
The Timmins Chapter of MADD will be on hand at the road side RIDE checks to hand out educational information about the impact of impaired driving.
“Don’t get behind the wheel if you are impaired,” said Steve Meunier, President of the Timmins Chapter of MADD. “If you choose to do that you are going to be arrested, charged and convicted with impaired driving.”
Meunier who also serves with the OPP said that four Canadians are killed daily as a result of collisions involving impaired drivers and 175 injured.
“We want people to drive sober all year round not only around Christmas but through the whole year to get to where they are going safe,” Meunier said. “The spin off effect from impaired driving affects so many lives if you get into a crash and kill someone or hurt someone or yourself.
Meunier urged all drivers to make the right decision before you get behind the wheel.
“Call a cab, call a friend before getting in your car - impaired driving is not a mistake, it is a criminal act,” he said.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website, drivers suspected of being impaired will be asked to take a breathalyzer test. In Ontario if the results indicate a blood alcohol level of over 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (0.08) it is a criminal offense.
But you may also incur fines if your level is between 0.05 to 0.08 ranges. In addition, novice drivers cannot have any traces of alcohol.
If you are convicted of impaired driving under the Criminal Code of Canada, depending on the circumstances, you could upon conviction.
- lose your licence
- have your vehicle impounded
- need to pay an administrative monetary penalty
- need to attend an education or treatment program
- be fined upon conviction
- be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle
- spend time in jail
- Drivers who test in the warning range they may face license suspension, fines and other actions.
In addition to impairment caused by alcohol police will also be checking for drug related impairment and impairment due to drowsiness.
While the emphasis today was on automobile drivers, the Festive RIDE program will also conduct spot checks on snowmobile operators.
