Police urging everyone to ring in the new year safely.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging everyone to ring in the new year safely as impaired driving charges continue to rise across West Region during this year’s Festive RIDE campaign.
With one more evening left in the initiative, officers across 13 West Region detachments have already surpassed last year’s totals.
As of December 24, police had conducted 2,534 RIDE checks, resulting in 210 impaired driving charges and 29 warn-range suspensions.
By comparison, the 2024 campaign recorded 187 impaired charges and 19 suspensions after 1,938 checks.
Province-wide, officers have laid 1,007 impaired driving charges during 7,298 RIDE events in OPP-patrolled communities.
The 2025-26 Festive RIDE campaign runs until tomorrow (January 1), with officers conducting roadside stops 24/7 to deter alcohol and drug-impaired driving.
The OPP is reminding residents to plan ahead for tonight’s celebrations, use a designated driver or rideshare, and call 9-1-1 if they suspect someone is driving impaired.
