Police set to kick off Holiday R.I.D.E. campaign

Police set to kick off Holiday R.I.D.E. campaign

Police agencies from across the Greater Toronto Area are gathering Thursday to kick off an annual impaired driving crackdown that runs during the holiday season.
During the Holiday R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign, police officers will step up efforts to nab impaired drivers and to deter people from getting behind the wheel if they're impaired by alcohol or drugs.
With many people attending holiday and New Year's parties in the coming weeks, police are urging people to plan ahead and get a ride from a sober driver such as a family member or friend, take a taxicab or use public transit.
Impaired driving is one of the leading factors in fatal collisions in Canada.
For those who choose to drive impaired, officers will be on the prowl with patrols and spot checks.
"Unfortunately, there are some people who just don't get the message and make the poor choice to drink and drive," Toronto police Supt. Earl Witty said in a statement. "By not choosing to drive sober, these drivers are continually putting themselves and other innocent persons in jeopardy."
Police officers from Toronto, Durham region, York region, Halton region, Peel region, Simcoe and Ontario Provincial Police are participating in Thursday's Holiday R.I.D.E. launch at Humber College's North Campus on Humber College Boulevard, near Finch Avenue West.