T’is the season for Festive RIDE stops combatting impaired driving.
The North Bay Police Service and North Bay Battalion players are launching the annual campaign Monday afternoon with a RIDE stop outside Memorial Gardens.
“It’s that time of year where if you do have a few drinks, if you’re out at a party, make sure you have a safe ride home and don’t choose to drink and drive,” says Constable Merv Shantz. “[There is] also the drug element too. A lot of people forget that taking drugs and driving is also impaired driving.” He adds there are consequences for drivers to think about
“Drinking and driving or taking drugs and driving are a criminal offence in Canada,” Shantz says. “The consequences are heavy fines, could be jail terms or worse someone could be killed or injured by an impaired driver.”
City police say on average 1,500 Canadians are killed each year by impaired driving collisions with their officers dedicated to reducing this number by conducting RIDE programs.
Officials say the roadside stops take place all year long at all hours of the day and night.
