Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has issued 629 impaired driving charges so far this year, according to Police Chief Peter Moreira.
The 2025 Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign is ongoing across the region for the next six weeks.
“So far this year, DRPS has laid 629 impaired driving charges, nearly identical to last year’s total of 638 at this point in time. What’s especially concerning is that 16 per cent have a prior impaired driving charge. These are repeat offenders who continue to put lives at risk,” said Chief Moreira.
“…I’m disheartened that we still need campaigns like this. The fact that RIDE remains necessary means some people continue to make the dangerous and selfish choice to drive impaired,” he added at the launch ceremony on Friday.
Last year’s RIDE campaign saw a total of 16,227 vehicles stopped, with 105 drivers charged with drinking and driving offences – an increase in the number of impaired drivers from 2023 where 12,682 vehicles were stopped and 87 charged.
MADD Project Red Ribbon
MADD has also launched its annual “Project Red Ribbon” campaign to promote sober driving during the holiday season and remind Canadians about the importance of planning ahead for a sober ride home.
The holiday season remains a busy time on Durham roadways and a time of high risk for impaired driving. MADD Durham Region is urging people to take a few minutes to plan ahead and arrange a sober ride home.
If you see a driver, you suspect is impaired, call 9-1-1 to report it to police; note the vehicle’s colour, make and model, licence plate, and direction of travel, and provide it to the operator. The call you make could save a life, said the DRPS while wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
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