GUELPH/WELLINGTON COUNTY – The annual Festive RIDE program is officially underway.
Officers from the Wellington County OPP and the Guelph Police Service conducted a RIDE program in Guelph Wednesday morning to formally launch the initiative which raises awareness of the dangers of impaired driving.
Wellington County OPP Detachment Commander, Inspector Steve Thomas says motorists can expect an increased police presence on OPP-patrolled roads this holiday season.
In 2023, there were 24 impaired driving fatalities in Ontario, with 4 in Wellington County.
So far in 2024, 10 people have lost their lives in alcohol/drug-related collisions in West Region, with 0 in Wellington County.
OPP has laid over 2,384 impaired driving charges to date this year including 132 in Wellington County, compared to 2,369 charges over the same timeframe last year (132 in Wellington County).
Thomas says impaired driving is something the OPP still sees on the roads.
The Festive RIDE is an annual police enforcement and education initiative aimed at taking impaired drivers off Ontario roads during the holiday season. This year’s Festive RIDE Campaign runs from November 21, 2024, to January 1, 2025.
