OPP Set for Robust Festive RIDE Campaign
(ORILLIA, ON) - With impaired driving on the rise on Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-patrolled roads in recent years, the OPP is wasting no time in keeping roads safe, as holiday season gatherings and travels ramp up and the provincial Festive RIDE campaign gets underway.
During the annual campaign, road users can expect to see an increase in OPP RIDE initiatives throughout the province, as officers work around the clock to ensure motorists are driving sober and drug-free.
Drivers pulled over at RIDE checkpoints who are suspected of being impaired can expect to get a rare glimpse of the sophisticated, methodical process, tools and expertise OPP officers apply to investigating and detecting alcohol and/or drugs in a driver.
Being proactive also means being a host or a guest at a holiday party who is part of a solid plan that ensures no one drives impaired. This is one of the most impactful ways people can help make roads safer for family, friends and fellow-citizens.
The OPP thanks everyone who does their part to help keep Ontario roads free of impaired driving - not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.
Please have a safe and happy holiday season!
QUICK FACTS
The Festive Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) campaign is led by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) Traffic Committee and runs from November 20, 2025 to January 1, 2026.
Thirty-four (34) people have died on OPP-patrolled roads in alcohol/drug-related collisions so far this year.
Under Ontario’s Zero Tolerance law, it is illegal for young, novice and commercial drivers to have any amount of alcohol or drugs in their system.
LEARN MORE
Contacts by OPP Region:
Highway Safety Division: Sgt. Kerry Schmidt Central Region: Sgt. Joe Brisebois
East Region: Bill Dickson North East Region : A/Sgt. Kyler Brouwer
North West Region: Erin McCrea West Region: Derek Rogers