Local and provincial police departments in Ontario recently launched their annual holiday campaign to educate drivers about the dangers of drunk driving and increase police enforcement of impaired driving throughout the province, according to CBC News.
"Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs continues to be the leading contributing factor in serious road collisions in Canada," the Province of Ontario said in a statement, per CBC News.
What Is Ontario’s R.I.D.E. Campaign?
The Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) campaign has been a cornerstone of Ontario’s efforts to combat drunk driving since its inception in 1977. Overseen by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), this annual initiative aims to reduce impaired driving accidents during high-risk periods such as holidays and long weekends, according to a report by CTV News.
“Most impaired driving incidents are the result of bad judgment,” explained Valerie Keyes, Ottawa chair for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), in an interview with CTV News. “Somebody has taken that decision to get behind the wheel."
Launched late last month, this year’s R.I.D.E. campaign has already demonstrated its impact. Police across Ontario have stopped more than 1,000 vehicles and charged 45 drivers with impaired driving offenses, according to CTV News. The program’s proactive approach continues to serve as a strong deterrent and an essential tool in keeping Ontario’s roads safer for everyone.
What Is R.I.D.E. Doing To Prevent Drunk Driving Accidents?
Along with local and municipal police aggressively enforcing Ontario’s impaired driving laws, the R.I.D.E. program aims to educate drivers and the general public about the dangers of drunk driving. This includes repeatedly telling people just how common and dangerous drunk driving accidents can be for everyone in Ontario.
"What we want to see is people make that smart decision,” Keyes said recently in an interview with CTV News. “If you know you are going to have to drive at the end of an evening, don't drink, don't have anything,"
How Common Are Drunk Driving Accidents in Ontario?
According to City News, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged 11,142 drivers with impaired driving last year—a 9% increase compared to 2022 and a 17% increase compared to 2021. Last year, drunk driving accidents contributed to 49 fatalities out of 400 total motor vehicle deaths in Ontario, according to Toronto CTV News.
"Too many families in Ontario have had their lives torn apart by the careless and shameful actions of impaired drivers," said Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria in an interview with CBC News.
How Can Ontario Drivers Help Prevent Impaired Driving?
As impaired driving incidents continue to rise, Ontario drivers play a critical role in preventing drunk driving collisions, especially during the holiday season. R.I.D.E. officials and police recently shared these actionable tips with the CBC to encourage safer roads:
- Plan Ahead: Before heading out to celebrate, arrange for a designated driver, use a rideshare service, or rely on public transportation. Having a plan ensures you’re not left making risky decisions later.
- Step In: If you notice a friend who’s had too much to drink, step up and offer them a sober ride home. Your intervention could prevent a tragedy.
- Report Dangerous Driving: Spotting a drunk driver on the road or suspecting someone is impaired? Contact the police immediately. Timely action can save lives.
- Celebrate Responsibly: The holiday season is about joy and togetherness—don’t let impaired driving turn celebration into devastation. Make responsible choices to keep yourself and others safe.
These simple yet effective steps can make a significant difference in reducing the number of impaired driving accidents across Ontario, ensuring the holiday season remains a time of happiness, not heartbreak.
Contact a drunk driving accident attorney if you've been injured
Claims involving drunk driving accidents often turn into complicated legal cases due to factors like disputes over liability, drunk drivers denying impairment, and insurance companies attempting to minimize payouts. Navigating these challenges requires thorough investigations, compelling evidence, and a deep understanding of the laws surrounding impaired driving in Ontario.
An experienced Toronto drunk driving accident lawyer can help protect your rights, build a strong case on your behalf, and pursue the full compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
At Smitiuch Injury Law, we can help you every step of the way. We know the laws that apply to impaired driving in Ontario and how to build a strong, successful case. Our case results illustrate this, including $2.2 million obtained for an accident victim as a result of a court trial.
Get the Toronto law firm you can trust to make things right. Contact us and schedule a free consultation with a Toronto drunk driving accident lawyer. Our law firm has three offices conveniently located in Toronto, Brantford, and Simcoe, Ontario.
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