Think again, OPP warn

OPP NEWS RELEASE

************************* OPP launch 2011 Festive R.I.D.E. Campaign

AURORA, ON (November 22, 2011) - Impaired driving is a public safety problem year-round but sadly the threat only worsens during the holidays according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

The OPP is conducting its annual Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign from November 25, 2011 to January 1, 2012 and is reminding motorists that province-wide R.I.D.E. stops will be highly-visible throughout the holiday season.

During last year's R.I.D.E. campaign (2010-2011), the OPP laid 308 impaired driving charges and issued 903 Warn Range and Administrative Driver's License Suspensions.

Impaired driving continues to be the leading cause of criminal death in Canada.

As of mid-November (2011), 40 people have died in alcohol-related collisions on OPP-patrolled roads and highways compared to 75 this same time last year (2010).

While the number is down significantly this year, even one alcohol-related death is one too many and motorists need to be more proactive in eliminating these preventable fatalities altogether according to the OPP.

"Year after year, our Festive R.I.D.E. campaign proves effective in taking impaired drivers off our roads. If you're drinking, come up with a plan that involves not driving such as taking a cab, a bus or have a designated driver. Don't drink and drive, don't let those who are drinking drive and be sure to report those who do," says C/Supt. Don Bell, commander, OPP Highway Safety Division.

Thinking of refusing a breath test?

Think again.

Motorists who refuse a breath test will be charged with a criminal code offence and immediately have their driver's license suspended for 90 days.

Think you can have a few drinks and be sure you'll blow under the legal limit?

Think again.

Drivers who blow in the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) "Warn Range" of .05 to .08 pose a danger to themselves and other road users.

If caught driving in the warn range, you will receive an immediate three-day driver's licence suspension at the roadside and the suspension period increases with subsequent offences to seven then 30 days.

Think your family and friends won't report a loved one or other driver who takes to the wheel while impaired?

Think again.

The last thing people want to deal with over the holidays is the devastation of losing a loved one to an impaired driver.

The OPP is asking Ontarians to help them crack down on impaired drivers this holiday season.

If you suspect an impaired driver, call 911.

We want to hear from you

The OPP encourages the public to sign up and participate in our social media discussions by following the links to our French and English social media accounts posted on the front page of the OPP website.

Give us your thoughts about impaired driving and show your support for the officers who will be working around the clock to make sure that you and your loved ones have safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Learn more

Consequences of Drinking and Driving

Drinking and Driving - Get the Facts

Canada's Road Safety Strategy 2015

Strategy to Reduce Impaired Driving 2010

************************* Earlier SooToday.com coverage of this story

Very important seasonal message: please read