As the holiday season approaches, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are stepping up efforts to tackle impaired driving in Peterborough County.
The Festive RIDE Campaign, which kicked off on November 21st and will run through January 1st, will see an increase in officers conducting road safety checks to combat impaired driving.
Throughout the campaign, OPP will be conducting numerous RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) checks, with a focus on high-risk areas in Peterborough County. Chris Galeazza, detachment Commander and Inspector with the OPP, emphasizes that while RIDE checkpoints are year-round, there’s a significant increase during this time, reflecting the rise in holiday celebrations and potential for impaired driving.
Galeazza says the festive ride initiative is a crucial effort to reduce impaired driving over the busy holiday season.
According to Galeazza, the OPP has already conducted over 800 RIDE checks this year.
Despite the county’s vast coverage area, the OPP uses data to pinpoint key locations for checks, ensuring both well-known routes and more obscure backroads are covered. The OPP also collaborates with local municipal police services to strengthen their reach and effectiveness.
Galeazza stressed the importance of collaboration with the Peterborough Police Service in ensuring public safety.
With the holidays fast approaching, the message from Galeazza is clear: plan ahead if you plan to drink or use cannabis. Rideshare options, taxis, or even staying overnight are all safe alternatives to impaired driving, keeping roads safer for everyone.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
