The OPP held their “Festive R.I.D.E.” campaign across Hastings and Prince Edward counties.
The OPP runs their R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program at various times throughout the year, mainly during the holidays. The R.I.D.E. program that was held on November 29th was designed to nab the people that are leaving parties after they have been drinking or doing drugs.
During this year’s “Festive R.I.D.E.” program, there were 13 checks done by Bancroft OPP in the Town’s area. Bancroft OPP Constable Philippe Regamey says they want to make sure that if people are drinking or impaired in any other way they have a proper way home. That means having a designated driver or taxi take you home, or staying the night somewhere instead of driving while impaired.
Across Hastings and Prince Edward counties, the Quinte Region Traffic Coalition reports multiple drivers were charged with impaired driving. Three people were arrested and charged with impaired driving, with one being for driving while high. A fourth person was hit with a three-day license suspension after “registering within the warn range for blood-alcohol level.” That means his blood-alcohol level was between .05 and .08.
Regamey adds that while the OPP are always on the look-out for impaired drivers, they rely on residents to help them as well. “We always ask and recommend those individuals that are on the road to be the eyes for us,” he says. Regamey adds that if you ever suspect someone is driving while impaired call 911 when it’s safe. He says you will need to tell them where you are, where you’re going and give as good of a description of the car you suspect the impaired driver is in as possible. That includes giving the license plate number if possible.