Drinking and Driving Still a Problem in Ontario

Ontario drunk driving campaign numbersWith its annual Festive R.I.D.E. campaign coming to a close on Jan. 2, 2015, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has expressed concern that drivers are still not getting the message that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous.

This year, during the campaign that ran from Nov. 23 to Jan. 2, OPP issued 573 charges of impaired driving in the province. Slightly more than 350 peoples licenses were suspended after roadside warnings.

Each year OPP hosts the Festive R.I.D.E. campaign to crack down on impaired driving during the holiday season. Police officers were out in force, conducting roadside checks and looking for anyone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Recent statistics show that the number of people charged with impaired driving was down slightly in comparison to last year. In 2015, the OPP laid more than 6,000 impaired driving charges.

Despite the decline, police are still concerned about the enormous threat that impaired driving poses to public safety. Police question why people continue to drink and drive and refuse to consider an alternate way home.

According to Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair, although the Festive R.I.D.E. campaign may be over, OPP officers will remain diligent in their efforts for preventing impaired driving.

Drunk driving accidents are 100 per cent preventable, yet every year thousands of people lose their lives to impaired drivers. Teen and younger drivers are at the greatest risk for being involved in an impaired driving accident.

Our DUI injury lawyers have seen first-hand the devastation that these accidents can bring. That is why we are dedicated to helping victims get the justice and compensation they deserve. If you or someone you love has been injured or died in a drunk driving accident, contact us today for a free consultation.

Call (866) 320-4770 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form.