So far this year Durham has seen 667 impaired driving cases, and will likely surpass the last two years, according to the region’s police chief.
Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) last year registered 745 impaired driving incidents, up from 722 in 2020.
“This is far too many. We can and must do better,” said Chief Todd Rollauer, who along with DRPS Police Services Board Chair Bobbie Drew, helped kick-off this year’s Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign yesterday. Over the next six weeks, the RIDE team will be out across Durham ensuring roadways are safe.
“Impaired driving will not be tolerated. The holiday season should be a time of joy and happy memories and not of tragedy,” he said.
Last year’s RIDE campaign saw a total of 6,766 vehicles stopped, with 65 drivers charged with drinking and driving offences – an increase in the number of impaired drivers from 2020 where 8,464 vehicles were stopped and 51 charged.
“We are especially concerned that, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada (MADD), the impaired driving rate increased by 7.1 per cent in 2021 after two years of decline,” said a police statement.
Very Visible Presence
DRPS’ RIDE team lead Acting Sgt. Bob Baumgartner added, “This year you can count on a very visible presence and our team will be leveraging our community partnerships to provide collaborative and innovative approaches to reducing impaired driving everywhere.”
“DRPS will be working closely with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission, educating and using enforcement where necessary at licensed establishments. We will also be partnering with the OPP for joint RIDE. initiatives and most importantly – we will be relying on our most valuable partners – YOU, the members of the community. If you see someone driving and believe they are impaired, call 9-1-1,” he added.
MADD 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 our roadways and still a time of high risk for impaired driving. MADD Durham Region is urging people to take a few minutes to plan ahead. If you’re going to be consuming alcohol, cannabis or other drugs, arrange a sober ride. For more information on MADD Durham Region’s Project Red Ribbon campaign visit, MADD Chapters.ca/Durham or follow them on social media @MADDDurham