Journal staff
The OPP released a snapshot of impaired driving numbers from the 2022 Festive RIDE campaign this week.
A total of 278 impaired driving charges were laid at 1,904 RIDE checkpoints across the West Region, which encompasses most of southwestern Ontario.
In Lambton, 13 impaired driving charges were laid -- the same number as last year -- arising from 128 RIDE checkpoints.
The campaign, “Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere” is an annual provincial police enforcement and education initiative aimed at taking alcohol-impaired and drug-impaired drivers off the road during the holiday season.
"The OPP encourages drivers to make the smart, safe choice," said Inspector Ross Stuart, West Region Traffic and Marine Manager. "If you plan to drink or take drugs, always take a taxi, contact a ride-share service or use a designated driver. "Impaired driving poses a major safety risk to all drivers."West Region snapshot:
Impaired driving charges: 278 (280)
Warn-range suspensions: 49 (55)
Number of RIDE checkpoints: 1904 (1243)
OPP detachments with the most impaired charges: Middlesex-43, Oxford-43, Essex-29
OPP detachments with the fewest impaired charges: South Bruce-4, Huron-7