Northumberland OPP Const. James Clarke. /Sarah Hyatt/MBC
Police are calling on the public to help save lives this holiday season in Northumberland.
That’s the message from Northumberland OPP Const. James Clarke with the launch of OPP’s Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign, which is in full swing.
Clarke tells us more.
What does this mean?
“You will be able to see a highly increased OPP presence already throughout the province conducting Festive RIDE initiatives – we’re checking for alcohol and drug impairment in drivers,” explains Clarke.
Held in conjunction with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, other area services, such as the Cobourg Police Service and Port Hope Police Service, also take part in the enforcement effort.
Bottom line, it’s about saving lives, explains Clarke.
Clarke tells us it’s already been a deadly year when it comes to impaired driving.
While those 45 deaths so far for 2024 are down slightly when compared to last year with 57 lives lost in impaired driving-related incidents, Clarke stresses all of these tragic deaths were preventable.
In the OPP’s 2023 annual report – which was just released a little more than a month ago – impaired driving was also highlighted as an ongoing area of concern. In the report, OPP states to keep Ontario roadways safe in 2023, officers initiated a traffic stop about every 80 seconds, translating to an increase of 26 per cent when compared to 2022. The report goes on to also highlight how officers issued more than 11,000 impaired driving charges.
Clarke says police depend on citizens to help combat impaired driving all year-round, but also during the holidays when there tends to be a spike in such incidents.
How can people help?
This holiday season, Clarke encourages people to simply take a bit of extra time and plan for a safe trip home. This could mean calling a friend or a cab, staying the night, designating a driver, or YMCA Northumberland’s Operation Red Nose is back again as another option, explains Clarke.
OPP’s campaign will stretch across Northumberland with checkpoints at various locations.
Clarke continues to encourage people to report impaired drivers and suspected impaired driving, stressing such tips can be lifesaving.
Many impaired drivers are often caught because of concerned citizens being conscious of irregular or erratic driving behaviours and making those reports, adds Clarke.
As people are approaching checkpoints, they’re reminded to slow down and proceed with caution, with officers and members of the public in live lanes at times. Officers will direct motorists through the checkpoints.
“The lights are there for a reason.”
Northumberland OPP reminds residents that Crime Stoppers is also an anonymous option where tips can be made by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting Crime Stoppers online.
“Remember that any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements.”
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
