Ontario Police Launch Festive R.I.D.E. Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug-Impaired Driving

Ontario Police Launch Festive R.I.D.E. Campaign

Against Alcohol and Drug-Impaired Driving

For Immediate Release: November 20, 2025

(Toronto, ON) – The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), in partnership with police services across the Province of Ontario, launched the Provincial Festive R.I.D.E. campaign today. The Festive R.I.D.E. campaign will take place in communities across the province throughout the holiday season until January 1, 2026. The annual campaign promotes traffic enforcement and awareness about the many dangers associated with alcohol- and drug-impaired driving.

The event was hosted by the Toronto Police Service and included the Ontario Provincial Police and municipal police services and campaign supporters dedicated to promoting safe driving throughout Ontario this holiday season.

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

Quick facts:

• In Ontario, one in three roadway fatalities involves impaired driving.[1]
• A 2022 roadside survey found that one in five drivers tested positive for drugs, alcohol, or both.[2]
• 76.2% of Canadians identified drinking and driving as a significant public concern in 2024, with similar levels of concern reported for drug-impaired drivers (72.8%).[3]

R.I.D.E. programs remain an important part of road safety as they are a visible reminder to motorists to not drive impaired. All young drivers, novice drivers, and commercial drivers are required by law to have zero presence of alcohol and/or drugs in their system while driving.

Road safety is a collective responsibility. As such, we encourage community members to commit 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:

“Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol is dangerous, reckless and always the wrong decision. That’s why Ontario has some of the strongest penalties in Canada for impaired driving, including a lifetime driver’s license suspension for anyone convicted of impaired driving causing death. Make the right decision, call a taxi, use a rideshare service, or have a designated driver. Everyone deserves to make it home safely this holiday season.” 

The Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation

“Keeping our neighbourhoods, streets, and highways safe is a shared responsibility. As we look forward to the festive season, let’s remember that everyone deserves to get home to their loved ones safely. We’re asking everyone driving the holidays to help our police officers keep our roadways safe by making the right choice when it comes to impaired driving. Just don’t do it”

Chief Peter Moreira, Durham Regional Police Service and

First Vice-President, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police

“The OPP is proud to join our many road safety partners and collaborators with a shared goal of keeping impaired drivers off our roads. With the safety of Ontario citizens being top of mind, we are counting on everyone to always drive sober, drug-free and ensure family and friends do the same. Doing so will go a long way towards helping us save lives on our roads – not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.”

OPP Deputy Commissioner Karen Meyer, Provincial Commander, Traffic Safety and Operational Support

“Everyone deserves to go home safely to their families during the holiday season and every day of the year. The Toronto Police Service is proud to partner with police services across Ontario on the festive R.I.D.E. campaign every year to raise awareness on the dangers of impaired driving. Our message to drivers is clear: make the right decision and drive sober to keep our roads safe for everyone.” 

Superintendent Catherine Jackson, Traffic Services, Toronto Police Service