Very important seasonal message: please read

CITY POLICE NEWS RELEASE

************************* The R.I.D.E. program has been active year-round; however, with the holiday season upon us, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service will be launching the 2011 Festive Season R.I.D.E. Program with a media event to be held at the Sault Ste Marie Police Service’s Building on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 9:30 a.m.

Representatives from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Operation Red Nose, and supporting auto dealerships including Maitland Motors, Maple Leaf Motors, and Great Lakes Honda will also be attendance for the launch.

Chief Bob Davies is committed to getting impaired drivers off the roads in the City of Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding area.

This year’s program, funded by a provincial grant from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, will include regular uniform patrol officers along with extra duty officers from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.

In a further proactive effort to reduce impaired drivers on our roadways, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service will be partnering with officers from the Ontario Provincial Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to conduct joint roadside checks throughout the city and surrounding area.

Drivers are reminded of the punishment for drinking and driving offences.

Once charged with excess blood alcohol or refusing a breath test, a motorist is subject to an immediate 90-day drivers licence suspension and seven-day vehicle impoundment.

On being convicted for the first time, drivers will lose their licence for one year and be subject to a heavy fine.

A second conviction will result in the loss of their licence for three years with 14 days in jail.

A third conviction will result in a suspension for life with 90 days in jail.

Also keep in mind that the names of the offenders will be published in the local media during the R.I.D.E. Program.

Operation Red Nose provides an alternative for those persons who have been drinking but make the right decision not to drive home.

St. John Ambulance volunteers will be standing by at select times during the holiday season to give drivers and their vehicles a ride home. There are still too many drivers who continue to drink and drive with tragic consequences.

This holiday season, don't be one of them.

If you choose to drink, don't drive.

If you spot a driver you suspect is impaired, call 911 immediately.

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