The 2022-2023 Festive RIDE program was officially kicked-off on Thursday November 17, 2022, at the Barrie ONroute. This year’s kick off brought together members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), South Simcoe Police Service (SSPS), Victim Services of Simcoe County and MADD Simcoe County for the annual holiday road safety campaign that will run through until January 2, 2023.
Area police services will be out in during the Festive RIDE period conducting traditional and mobile spot checks looking for impaired drivers who have chosen to drive after consuming alcohol, using recreational cannabis or other drugs.
The message echoed by law enforcement during the holiday season and throughout the year is one that focuses on the concept of planning ahead. If you are planning on enjoying a holiday get together, now is the time to determine how you will safely get to your destination and back home after the event concludes.
“There have never been more options available to get home safely by a sober driver than today. Ride shares, taxis, uber, public transit, and having a designated driver are all possibilities people need to consider before heading out,” says Chief Designate Rich Johnston. “Barrie Police Service is committed to keeping our city streets safe; we have trained drug recognition evaluators and breathalyzer technicians available for those who don’t plan and make the wrong choice to get behind the wheel.”
The public, and in particular, those who are licenced drivers, are encouraged to contribute to making this holiday season a safe one if they plan on driving. As a driver, you will have more options to choose from by planning today rather than waiting until the day before or the day of your seasonal event. The choice is yours; just make the right one or the police will be your ride at the end of your holiday celebration.
| Prepared by: | Corporate Communications Coordinator |