The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has reported a notable decline in the number of impaired driving charges laid during the second week of its annual Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign. The data provides a snapshot of road safety enforcement during the critical holiday season.
Week Two Shows Promising Decline
According to the latest figures released by the OPP, the second week of the campaign, which runs throughout the holiday period, saw fewer drivers charged with impaired driving offences compared to the initial week. This development follows the campaign's launch in late November, highlighted by a traffic stop conducted by an OPP officer in Lucknow, Ontario, on November 20, 2025.
The Festive RIDE initiative is a cornerstone of the province's strategy to deter driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Officers set up checkpoints across Ontario to conduct mandatory roadside screenings, aiming to remove impaired drivers from the roads before they cause harm.
Ongoing Enforcement and Public Safety Message
Despite the week-over-week decrease, police emphasize that the campaign remains in full force. A single charge represents a significant risk to public safety averted. The OPP continues to urge all motorists to plan for a safe ride home if they intend to consume alcohol or cannabis.
The consistent message from law enforcement is clear: driving impaired is a serious criminal offence with potentially deadly consequences. Penalties include immediate licence suspensions, substantial fines, vehicle impoundment, and the possibility of jail time.
A Critical Reminder for the Holiday Season
The timing of the Festive RIDE campaign is deliberate, coinciding with an increase in social gatherings where alcohol is often served. Police data from previous years indicates that the holiday season can see a spike in impaired driving incidents.
While the recent drop in charges is an encouraging sign, authorities caution against complacency. The OPP advises the public to utilize alternatives such as designated drivers, taxis, rideshare services, or public transit. The goal of the campaign is not merely to lay charges but to prevent tragedies and ensure everyone arrives at their destinations safely during the festivities and beyond.
