Festive RIDE campaign already underway

The Wellington County OPP Festive RIDE team will once again conduct spot checks and random vehicle stops to check for driver sobriety during the holiday season.

RIDE programs, which will be strategically located and conducted throughout Wellington County, started on Nov. 23 and will continue until Jan. 16.

Police officers, along with members from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Wellington County, will conduct large-scale RIDE programs. Sobriety spot checks will be conducted with neighbouring policing jurisdictions.

“The RIDE program initiative has proven to be an effective deterrent to educate the public about the dangers of drinking and driving,” police stated in a press release.

Officers will be detecting drivers impaired by alcohol as well as by drugs.

In addition, officers will be “looking beyond the plate” during these initiatives to uncover other provincial and criminal offences.

“Impaired driving continues to be a concern year round and we have already seen the devastating outcome it can have,” said Wellington OPP  Detachment Commander Scott Lawson.

“Impaired driving is a leading criminal cause of death in Canada. We will continue to do our part to ensure that our roadways are safe in Wellington County; if you choose to drink and drive be prepared to face the consequences.”

Possible consequences are: an immediate 90 day driver’s license suspension, seven-day vehicle impoundment, a criminal record, substantial fines,  increased insurance costs and ongoing driver’s license sanctions.

Police encourage the public to call 911 if they suspect a person is driving while impaired.

Wellington County OPP officials stated they would like to thank drivers in advance for not drinking and driving and for “doing their part to keep our roads safe in Wellington County.”