Festive RIDE campaign in North Bay underway with zero tolerance
OPP, North Bay police and other area police agencies are reminding drivers of a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Police launched its annual RIDE campaign for the holiday season at the intersection of Hwy. 654 and Hwy. 94 in Callander on Thursday afternoon.
“People need to think before they drink because if you try and make those decisions once you’ve already have a snoot full of booze, you’re not making the proper decisions,” said North Bay police inspector Jeff Warner. “Plan another way home.”
When a vehicle approaches a ride check, police will look for any open alcohol in the car, followed by signs the driver may be impaired. Under alcohol screening laws, police can ask for a breath sample.
“When you’re asking them questions, you’re looking at their response, the glossy eyes, slurred speech, inability to answer simple questions, hesitation to tell you if they’ve consumed anything,” said Warner.
He said the issue is becoming more and more frustrating. Every year, police issue the same warning about the consequences of impaired driving. But the message is just not getting across to some drivers.
“I’ve been policing for over 30 years and I’ve met a number of families affected by impaired driving,” said OPP acting inspector Raymond St. Pierre.
“As a parent, I think about my children and relatives. Are they going to come home safe? Or are they going to get into a collision with someone who’s been drinking?”
OPP in the northeast region have seen a 78 per cent increase in impaired driving charges this year. Police believe that number is as high as it is due to these ride checks, and because more people are reporting seeing drunk drivers on the road.
“People are taking the chance that police aren’t everywhere. But we could be anywhere,” said St. Pierre. “You’re taking the chance that we won’t catch you. Zero per cent of alcohol behind the wheel is the acceptable number.”
In Ontario, 8,000 charges have been laid so far this year for driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.