GUELPH – They may call it the Festive RIDE campaign, but the only thing festive about it is the time of year.
And if you’re caught driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it would be naïve to hope a Christmas miracle will help you out.
Guelph Police and the Wellington County OPP held a joint media event in Guelph on Nov. 20 to launch the campaign, which runs until mid-January.
Officers from both departments converged in the vicinity of Waterloo Ave., Speedvale Ave. N., and the off ramp from the Hanlon Expressway at Wellington Road, to kick off the campaign.
Drivers were surprised to see a RIDE campaign in the afternoon, assuming impaired driving is basically a nighttime threat.
“But it’s all day, too,” said Scott Tracey, media relations coordinator with the Guelph Police Service. “And it’s all through the year.”
Scott Tracey, media relations coordinator with the Guelph Police Service.
Police scratch their heads every year over the persistent problem of impaired driving.
Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs continues to be the most prominent factor in serious road collisions in Canada, Tracey said.
RIDE spot checks assist with enforcement, but also are a visible reminder to motorists not to drive while impaired.
“Police services across the country are committed to eliminating the trauma caused by impaired driving,” said Sgt. Shawn Dunsmoor of Guelph Police Service’s traffic unit.
“This is true all year, but especially during special times like the holiday season when we typically see an increase in these types of criminal offences.
“If you’re going to be drinking or using drugs, please ensure you have a safe ride home and don’t get behind the wheel.”
During RIDE checks, police will be looking for any odour of alcohol, glassy eyes and poor motor skills of the driver.
Police may conduct roadside breathalyzer tests and those that blow over will lose their licence on the spot.
Refusing a breathalyzer bears the same punishment as blowing over: a 90-day licence prohibition and, if convicted, you could lose your licence for one year.
There are also tow and impound fees, possibly a fine, and an impaired driving charge will certainly impact your insurance.
There is no roadside test for impairment by drugs, but Wellington OPP sergeant Kevin Driscoll said his service has specially trained drug recognition officers who are often on RIDE duty.
Wellington OPP Sergeant Kevin Driscoll.
If a driver is suspected of being impaired by drugs, they are taken to the hospital for a blood test to confirm.
Driscoll said the Wellington OPP are noting an increase in impaired by drugs charges.
The offence, under the Highway Traffic Act, is driving a motorized vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
That includes cars and trucks, but also e-bikes, electric scooters and snowmobiles.
Impaired driving and driving 80+mg (more than 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood in your system) are different charges.
You might realize you are impaired at 2am and decide to stay where you are to sleep it off. Good for you.
But know that you might still blow over the next morning depending how much you consumed and how long it’s been since your last drink.
“If you’ve had copious amounts of alcohol, it would be beneficial to find another ride,” Driscoll said.
Expect to see more RIDE stops along major and minor routes in Guelph and Wellington County over the holiday season.
Sarah Bowers-Peter, program coordinator of Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington, said people can also report impaired drivers on their anonymous tip line.
“We do get people calling us,” she said at the kick-off event. “It’s usually about people who are habitually impaired.”
It could be a co-worker, a neighbour, a family member, she said.
Calls to Crime Stoppers are anonymous so no one will know who made the call.
“If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911. But for other cases, give us a call,” said Bowers-Peter.
The Festive RIDE campaign runs until mid-January, but police are always on the lookout for impaired drivers.
Drivers are encouraged to contribute to road safety by:
- planning ahead and arranging a designated driver or using public transit, taxis or rideshare services;
- offering a sober ride to a friend or loved one who has been drinking or using drugs;
- calling 911 immediately if you suspect an impaired driver; and
- enjoying responsibly.
