Since 2003, 987 people have died in preventable alcohol/drug-related collisions on OPP-patrolled roads.
Tragically, 464 (47 per cent) of the 987 deceased were innocent victims in these crashes, police say, while the other 523 (53%) were the at-fault impaired driver.
So far this year, 37 people have died in collisions linked to an alcohol or drug-impaired driver, 19 of whom (52%) were innocent victims.
Sadly, 2017 marks the fourth consecutive year to see a higher number of innocent people killed than impaired drivers who caused the collision.
With the annual Festive “Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere” (RIDE) campaign now underway, the OPP wants road users to take away an important message from their traffic fatality data.
“The staggering number of innocent people who die in alcohol or drug-related collisions tells us that minding our own business about impaired drivers is the wrong thing to do,” states OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair.
“When you see an impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1. If you are out with someone who is impaired and about to drive, present them with an alternative. If they proceed to drive, call 9-1-1.
“As difficult as it may be to report someone you know to police, living with the decision not to is far worse if that driver goes on to kill someone or themselves in a crash.”
Marie-France Lalonde, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, added, “As we gather with family and friends this holiday season, let’s make safety a priority by planning ahead.
“Whether arranging for a designated driver, taking public transit, or suggesting alternate arrangements for someone you think is impaired – simple steps can ensure everybody arrives home safely.”
Don’t ‘drug’ and drive
OPP officers are trained drug recognition evaluators with the authority and tools to detect drug-impaired drivers. Ontario legislation now carries penalties for drug-impaired driving that match those for alcohol-impaired drivers.
