Festive RIDE Campaign Launches
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police, Anishinabek Police Service, Batchewana First Nation Police, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, is launching its annual Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) Campaign.
This enforcement and education initiative aims to remove impaired drivers from the roads in Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township, ensuring the safety of all road users during the holiday season.
During the 2023 Festive RIDE Campaign, officers from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and partner agencies stopped and checked 2,044 vehicles within the city and surrounding area. These efforts resulted in 1 criminal charge for impaired driving and other related offences.
As the holiday season approaches—a time for celebrating with friends, family, and loved ones—the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service reminds everyone to celebrate responsibly and plan ahead for a safe way to get home.
“There’s no excuse for getting behind the wheel drunk or high,” says Joe Poderys, Sergeant of Traffic Services. “Call a cab, get a ride, take public transit, walk, or stay put. Just don’t drive. You don’t want to be the reason someone doesn’t make it home to their family.”
Drivers caught operating a vehicle while impaired could face serious consequences, including suspension of their driver’s licence, vehicle impoundment, fines, and even jail time. Additionally, drivers under the age of 22 or holding G1, G2, or commercial licences must abide by zero tolerance for alcohol and cannabis while driving. Any violation could result in an automatic three-day licence suspension.
For those impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both—or who refuse a breath or bodily substance screening—penalties include an immediate 90-day licence suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment. Convictions can lead to further suspensions, heavy fines, mandatory education programs, participation in the ignition interlock program, and increased insurance premiums.
If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 911 immediately. Under the Highway Traffic Act, drivers are permitted to use a cell phone to call emergency services while driving.
Let’s all do our part to keep Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township safe this holiday season. If you choose to drink or use drugs, do not drive.
