January 5, 2024 – From November 12, 2023, to January 2, 2024, Peel Regional Police cracked down on impaired driving during their annual holiday R.I.D.E. (Reducing Impaired Driving Everywhere) Campaign. Dedicated officers worked tirelessly, resulting in nearly 13,000 motorists being checked and a slew of charges.
The tactics employed by the police involved round-the-clock efforts, including R.I.D.E. checkpoints, traffic stops, and responding to citizen reports of impaired driving. The numbers from the 2023 campaign are in, showcasing its effectiveness:
- 12,472 vehicles investigated
- 53 Charges for Operation while Impaired by Alcohol
- 97 Charges for Blood Alcohol Concentration in Excess of the Legal Limit
- 19 Refusal or Failure to Provide Breath Sample
- 5 Charges for Operation while Impaired by Drugs
- 116 Roadside Driver’s Licence Suspensions for Alcohol
- 259 Highway Traffic Act Charges
But that’s not all—two firearms were uncovered and seized during the investigations by vigilant R.I.D.E. officers.
As the campaign wraps up successfully, the Peel Regional Police urges motorists to be aware of the severe dangers linked to impaired driving. Young, novice, and commercial drivers are reminded that having zero presence of alcohol and drugs while driving is mandatory.
Road safety remains a top priority for Peel Regional Police, aligning with their commitment to community safety and well-being. It’s a shared responsibility, and citizens are encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by dialing 911. For those consuming alcohol or drugs, the message is clear: don’t drive. Plan ahead for a safe ride home, whether through a designated driver, an alternate place to stay, or the use of public transportation.