WINDSOR

Drivers not getting the message on impaired driving: OPP

CTV Windsor Published Monday, January 18, 2016 10:59AM EST

An officer conducts a traffic stop during the Festive RIDE campaign in this image provided by the Ontario Provincial Police.

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The Ontario Provincial Police say that despite aggressive awareness campaigns and RIDE programs impaired driving remains a large threat to public safety.

The OPP’s latest Festive Ride program ending on January 2^nd resulted in 573 charges of impaired driving across the province. Another 350 people had their licenses suspended.

Police say that the overall percentage of people charged during the Festive Ride program was down slightly compared to last year.

However in 2015 more than 6000 alcohol and drug impaired driving charges were laid on Ontario roads.

In a release Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair said, “The annual Festive RIDE program may be over, but I can assure you that OPP officers will remain diligent with their focus on impaired drivers by conducting RIDE stops in various random locations every day across this province.