The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in eastern Ontario concluded their annual holiday traffic safety initiative with a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. During the 2025-26 Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) season, officers laid a total of 150 impaired driving charges across the region.
A Seasonal Crackdown on Dangerous Driving
The Festive RIDE campaign is a heightened enforcement period that runs through the holiday season, a time known for increased social gatherings and associated risks on the road. OPP officers set up numerous checkpoints and conducted roving patrols across eastern Ontario communities to identify and remove impaired drivers. The 150 charges underscore a persistent and dangerous problem, despite decades of public awareness campaigns about the perils of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Beyond Criminal Charges: A Broader Toll
While the 150 criminal charges represent the most serious interventions, the OPP's enforcement actions during the campaign were far more extensive. In addition to the impaired driving charges, police also issued numerous Administrative Driver's Licence Suspensions (ADLS) at the roadside. These suspensions are a immediate consequence for drivers found with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in the "warn range," between 0.05 and 0.08. The campaign's results highlight that impaired driving, in all its forms, remains a critical public safety issue that requires constant vigilance from law enforcement.
A Call for Year-Round Responsibility
The conclusion of the Festive RIDE campaign does not mark an end to OPP enforcement. Police emphasize that efforts to combat impaired driving are a year-round priority. The OPP is urging all drivers to make responsible choices every time they get behind the wheel. This includes planning ahead for a sober ride home by using a designated driver, public transit, a taxi, or a ride-sharing service. The message from police is clear: the risk of a criminal charge, a devastating collision, or the loss of life is never worth taking. The 150 charges laid this season represent 150 preventable decisions that put countless lives in danger.
