The Ontario Provincial Police's (OPP) annual holiday crackdown on impaired driving has concluded, with Essex County taking an unfortunate lead in the West Region's statistics. The 2025 Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign, which ran from November 20, 2025, to January 1, 2026, saw Essex County drivers face the highest number of charges across the region's 13 detachment areas.
West Region Festive RIDE Results: A County-by-County Breakdown
OPP officials reported that a total of 54 impaired driving charges were laid against motorists in Essex County during the campaign period. The county also recorded two warn-range suspensions. These suspensions are issued immediately to drivers found with a blood-alcohol concentration between 0.05% and 0.08%.
Lambton County, which includes the City of Sarnia, placed second in the regional tally. Officers there laid 33 impaired driving charges and issued six warn-range suspensions.
At the other end of the spectrum, Elgin County, located south of London, recorded the region's lowest numbers. OPP in that area handed out 10 impaired driving charges and two warn-range suspensions over the same holiday timeframe.
Campaign Scope and Year-Over-Year Comparison
Across the entire OPP West Region, the proactive enforcement effort was significant. Officers conducted 3,095 RIDE spot checks, which marks the highest number in the past five years. From these checks, they laid a total of 269 impaired driving charges and issued 40 warn-range suspensions.
Essex County was also the most active in terms of running checkpoints, with 375 separate RIDE campaigns. This compares to 364 in Elgin County and 250 in Lambton County.
The 2025 campaign showed a shift in enforcement outcomes compared to the previous year. The 2024 West Region Festive RIDE initiative resulted in 292 impaired driving charges and 19 warn-range suspensions following 1,938 RIDE events.
Police Commitment and Public Safety Reminder
Inspector Michael McConnell, the OPP West Region Traffic and Marine Manager, emphasized the force's ongoing dedication to road safety. "West Region remains committed to keeping our roads safe through proactive RIDE programs and focused impaired-driving enforcement efforts," stated McConnell.
The inspector also issued a clear reminder to all drivers: "We remind all drivers to plan ahead, make responsible choices, and always drive sober—if you’ve been drinking, arrange a safe ride home."
On a provincial scale, OPP officers were busy throughout the holiday season. Across Ontario, they laid 1,268 impaired driving charges and issued 150 warn-range suspensions at a total of 11,130 RIDE check events.
In Essex County, the OPP provides policing services for the municipalities of Essex, Tecumseh, Lakeshore, Kingsville, Leamington, and Pelee Island.
