Impaired driving on the rise leading up to the holidays

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 13, 2024      3:08 pm

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has charged 56 people with impaired driving since the start of the Festive RIDES on November 28. This marks an increase from last year when there were 48 drivers charged over the same period.

This week, officers responded to a serious collision that caused serious injuries on Dwyer Hill Road. A man in his 50s was arrested and charged with impaired driving.

"Impaired driving remains a dangerous and preventable risk to public safety. As we continue into the holiday season, we urge everyone to make responsible choices. If you're celebrating, plan ahead and don't get behind the wheel if you've been drinking or using drugs," said Acting Sergeant Amy Gagnon.

Officers have conducted seven RIDE checkpoints since November 28, stopping over 2087 vehicles to ensure drivers are not impaired by alcohol or drugs.

In addition, the OPS teamed up with Safer Roads Ottawa, Military Police, OPP, RCMP and Gatineau Police for a joint impaired driving initiative—Mega Ride last evening.

Festive RIDE operations will continue throughout the holiday season and will take place at various locations across the city—day and night.

If you suspect someone is driving impaired, please call 9-1-1 immediately. Your actions could help save lives.

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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

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