During the same period, officers conducting regular patrols arrested and charged an additional seven impaired drivers<\/p>\n
During this year’s Festive RIDE campaign, Sault Ste. Marie police\u00a0officers checked\u00a0approximately 700 vehicles, administered 20 roadside breath tests, issued three Provincial Offence Notices, and arrested one impaired driver.<\/p>\n
Festive RIDE was held from the start of last month to the start of this month.<\/p>\n
During the same period, officers conducting regular patrols arrested and charged an additional seven impaired drivers.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Lincoln Louttit, manager of corporate communications at Sault Police, said the numbers did not increase compared to the 2024 campaign.<\/p>\n
“During the 2024 campaign, members and partner agencies stopped and checked approximately 700 vehicles within the city and surrounding area.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“The Festive RIDE initiative is conducted specifically during the holiday season, when there is typically an increase in social and family gatherings.”<\/p>\n
Louttit said the campaign is one way\u00a0Sault Police promote\u00a0sober driving and encourage\u00a0“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.\u00a0<\/p>\n