The holidays are almost upon us and that means a larger police presence on the roads.
The OPP and municipal police forces begin their annual Festive RIDE campaign today.
Police will ramp up their RIDE spot checks until January 1st.
OPP Constable Peter Leon tells Bayshore Broadcasting News impaired driving is a problem year round — but it gets worse during the holiday party season.
Leon urges other motorists to report a suspected drunk driver by calling 9-1-1.
During last year’s Festive RIDE campaign — the OPP laid 308 impaired driving charges and issued 903 license suspensions.
Leon suggests if you’re drinking at a holiday party, plan ahead and take a cab, a bus or have a designated driver.
And for those people who are hosting parties — Leon says there is case law to suggest that you can be sued for damages if a driver gets in a crash after having too much to drink at your home.
Leon notes impaired driving continues to be the leading cause of criminal death in Canada.
As of mid November — 40 people have died in alcohol-related collisions on OPP patrolled roads and highways compared to 75 at this same time last year.
If you are stopped behind the wheel and blow over the legal limit — you will lose your licence for 90 days — and if found a guilty, you face a fine, imprisonment and a licence suspension for a year.
