Festive RIDE results in 88 Impaired driving related charges – a reminder to drivers to make the right decision every day and drive sober

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, January 7, 2022   9:10am

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service working alongside the Ottawa Insurance Brokers Association and MADD Ottawa held their annual 2021 Festive RIDE Campaign between November 18^th, 2021 and January 2^nd, 2022 and charged a total of 88 drivers with Impaired driving-related offences, including failing to comply with a demand, having a blood alcohol content of 80 or more milligrams and/or driving while impaired by drugs.

Ottawa Police officers also issued 18 driver’s licence suspension for 3 days after blowing a “warn” on a roadside (Approved Screening Device).

“Impaired driving is 100% preventable,” said Impaired Countermeasures Sgt Troy Froats, with the Ottawa Police. Police responded to 22 collisions, two of which resulted in serious injury, involving drivers who were found to be over the limit. “We urge drivers to make the right decision every day and drive sober.”

Ottawa Police officers are highly trained to detect impaired drivers and rely on the public to report suspected impaired driving. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, please call 9-1-1. 

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” added Sgt. Froats.

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 2, 2021   11:25 am

The Festive RIDE season is upon us, please do not drive impaired

(Ottawa) — As holiday gatherings return, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), the Ottawa Insurance Brokers Association and MADD Ottawa remind everyone not to drive impaired.

“It’s exciting to see family and friends or celebrate the holidays with coworkers, but as you plan your festivities, include a plan to get home safe,” says Sgt. Troy Froats, with OPS Impaired Countermeasures.

Sgt. Froats says there are plenty of options available. “Take public transit, a taxi or arrange a ride with a sober driver. There’s no excuse for impaired driving.” 

If you are hosting a party, there are things you can do to prevent impaired driving. Serve food to your guests, keep an eye on alcohol and drug intake, don’t let anyone who is impaired get behind the wheel.

It is an offence to operate a conveyance while impaired by alcohol or drugs to any degree - including cannabis and prescription drugs. Persons charged with impaired driving face an immediate 90 day driving suspension and lose their vehicle for seven days. 

If convicted, an impaired driver can face a minimum one-year driving suspension and monetary fines. “That may be the lesser issue, when you consider the risk that a driver may have to live with a resulting tragedy as a consequence of their decision to drive impaired.”

A reminder that the same rules apply to All Terrain Vehicles, bikes and snowmobiles. “There will no doubt be people out on the trails during the festive season, but the same rules and penalties apply, as do the risks and consequences.” 

If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 9-1-1. 

The Festive RIDE campaign starts today and runs every weekend until January 2022.

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CONTACT: Media Relations Section
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366