Festive RIDE campaign not so festive for one local driver

During this year’s Festive RIDE campaign, Sault Ste. Marie police officers checked approximately 700 vehicles, administered 20 roadside breath tests, issued three Provincial Offence Notices, and arrested one impaired driver.

Festive RIDE was held from the start of last month to the start of this month.

During the same period, officers conducting regular patrols arrested and charged an additional seven impaired drivers.

The annual Festive RIDE campaign is delivered in partnership with the Anishinabek Police Service, Batchewana First Nation Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The campaign focuses on both enforcement and education, with the dual goals of removing impaired drivers from the road and reminding motorists to always drive sober.

Lincoln Louttit, manager of corporate communications at Sault Police, said the numbers did not increase compared to the 2024 campaign.

“During the 2024 campaign, members and partner agencies stopped and checked approximately 700 vehicles within the city and surrounding area.

“These efforts resulted in one criminal impaired driving charge, as well as two seven-day licence suspensions, one 14-day licence suspension, and five additional Provincial Offence Notices.”

These figures reflect only the results of the Festive RIDE campaign and do not represent the total number of impaired driving incidents that occur throughout the year, he said.

“The Festive RIDE initiative is conducted specifically during the holiday season, when there is typically an increase in social and family gatherings.”

Louttit said the campaign is one way Sault Police promote sober driving and encourage “motorists to make safe choices, including arranging alternate transportation or staying with a trusted friend or family member if they are not fit to drive,” he said. 

For recent statistics on impaired driving, please visit Crime Stats – Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.