THUNDER BAY — Numbers have stayed the same as 2022 when it comes to drivers and charges laid for impaired drivers across the region.
OPP constable Matt Foster said officers conducted over 2,500 RIDE programs during the holiday season for 2023.
"We had 88 drivers across the northwest region who were charged with impaired driving-related offences. In addition to the 88 drivers being charged, 156 total charges of impaired operation and a lot of alcohol concentration above 80-plus were issued across the northwest."
The numbers are almost identical to the 2022 festive OPP RIDE program, Foster said. In 2022, provincial police in Northwestern Ontario charged 89 drivers with 140 various charges.
He estimates less than half of the 2023 charges are intoxicated by drug violations.
Across the province, OPP held 11,421 RIDE initiatives and stopped 42,464 drivers during their Festive RIDE efforts between Nov. 16, 2023, and Jan. 2, 2024.
Foster said drivers were receptive of the OPP's efforts.
"They're very understanding and very thankful that we're out there looking for impaired drivers, specifically around the holiday season because everyone wants to get home to their families and spend time with loved ones around the holiday season.
"It's very concerning that the message to drive safely, drive sober, is not getting across to people," he said.
Foster added that most impaired charges come from traffic complaints regarding an erratic driver.
"If you see some concerning driving behaviour, don't feel like you're burdening our dispatchers. It could save lives by just calling in someone you believe is driving erratically.
"That person could be impaired. That person could be having a medical emergency. You never know what could come of it."
For non-emergencies, the OPP can be contacted toll-free at 1-888-310-1122 to file a report.
In the event of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
