Ottawa police RIDE checks lead to higher number of impaired driving charges compared to last year

An individual is given a roadside breath test in this undated file image.

Ottawa police say the number of impaired driving charges officers have laid in the last two weeks is higher than it was at the same time last year.

Since the start of the annual Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign on Nov. 28, Ottawa police have charged 56 people with impaired driving. In 2023, police said they had charged 48 drivers in the same period.

Officers have conducted seven RIDE checkpoints since Nov. 28, stopping 2,087 drivers to ensure they are not impaired by alcohol or drugs. teamed up with Safer Roads Ottawa, Military Police, OPP, RCMP and Gatineau Police for a joint "Mega RIDE" even Thursday night.

"Impaired driving remains a dangerous and preventable risk to public safety. As we continue into the holiday season, we urge everyone to make responsible choices. If you're celebrating, plan ahead and don't get behind the wheel if you've been drinking or using drugs," said Acting Sergeant Amy Gagnon.

Earlier this week, police responded to a collision that resulted in serious injuries on Dwyer Hill Road. The driver, a 50-year-old man, was charged with impaired driving.

Across eastern Ontario, OPP reported 45 impaired driving charges in the first two weeks of its RIDE campaign, which started Nov. 21.