Media Release: Ontario Police Kick-off Holiday R.I.D.E. Campaign

Media Release

Ontario Police Kick-off Holiday R.I.D.E. Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Impaired Driving

For Immediate Release: November 16, 2023 

(King, ON) – The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and York Regional Police (YRP), today kicked off the Provincial Holiday R.I.D.E. campaign, which police services will implement across Ontario during the holiday season. The campaign promotes traffic enforcement and the raising of awareness related to the dangers associated with alcohol and drug-impaired driving. 

The event in King, ON, included police services and campaign supporters dedicated to promoting safe driving this holiday season throughout Ontario. 

Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs continues to be the most prominent factor in serious road collisions in Canada. Police services and their community partners are placing emphasis on urging drivers not to drive if they have consumed drugs or alcohol that might impair their ability to operate a vehicle. 

R.I.D.E. programs remain an important part of road safety as they create a visible reminder to motorists not to drive impaired. Members of the community are encouraged to aim for zero when it comes to alcohol and drug-impaired driving. All young drivers, novice drivers, and commercial drivers are required to have zero presence of alcohol and/or drugs in their system while driving. 

We encourage the community to share in the responsibility for road safety by committing to: 

• Planning and arranging for a designated driver or public transportation.
• Offering a sober ride to a friend who has been drinking or consuming drugs.
• Calling 9-1-1 to report suspected impaired drivers.
• Enjoying responsibly. 

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Quotes: 

“Police services across our province are united in their determination to keep our roads and highways safe throughout the year, including during special times of the year like the holiday season. Our message is simple: we want everyone to enjoy the season safely. Impaired driving is never okay.”
Jim MacSween, Chief of Police, York Regional Police
OACP President 

“Alcohol, illegal drugs, cannabis, over the counter and prescription medication can all affect your judgement and reaction time when behind the wheel of a motor vehicle leading to serious consequences. The message to drivers this holiday season is clear: make the right decision and drive sober.”
Superintendent Jacqueline Baus, Toronto Police Service
Co-Chair, OACP Traffic Committee

For more information, contact: 

José Luís (Joe) Couto
Director of Government Relations & Communications
T. (416) 926-0424 ext. 22
C. (416) 919-9798
E. media@oacp.ca
X: @OACPOfficial
    @OACPCertificate
Facebook:
http://facebook.com/OACPOfficial
Instagram: @OACPOfficial
YouTube:
http://youtube.com/OACPOfficial 

#HolidayRIDE

The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police is the voice of Ontario’s Police Leaders 

Members of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police serve their communities as the senior police leaders in municipal, regional, provincial, national, and Indigenous police services across Ontario