Woodstock Police Launch Holiday R.I.D.E Campaign

Tuesday, 20 November 2018 at 15:38

Don't be surprised if you find yourself stopped at R.I.D.E check in Woodstock this holiday season.

WOODSTOCK - Woodstock Police are teaming up with the Ontario Association Chiefs of Police and MADD Canada for holiday R.I.D.E programs.

Chief Bill Renton says Woodstock Police want everyone to aim for zero this holiday season when it comes to alcohol and drug impaired driving.

“You know you shouldn’t, so don’t operate any motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any combination of these. We want to make sure that you and everyone you know arrives alive and stays safe.”

Police offer the following tips before you get behind the wheel this holiday season:

1. Plan ahead – if you know you are going to be consuming alcohol or drugs, have a plan in place for how you and your family/friends will get home safely.

2. Call a cab/Uber/Lyft/friend or family member to get home OR stay the night

3. Take turns being a DD – many people attend several holiday celebrations each year, take turns being the designated driver to keep it fair for everyone.

4. Do not get in a vehicle with a driver who has consumed alcohol or drugs.

Police officers will be working hard to combat impaired driving this holiday season.

Charges:

Alcohol impaired driving that does not cause bodily harm or death:

- 1st offence: minimum $1000 - $2000 fine (depending on blood alcohol content)

- 2nd offence: minimum 30 days imprisonment

- 3rd & subsequent offences: minimum 120 days imprisonment

Drug impaired driving:

- Between 2-5 nanograms (ng) of THC per ml of blood: minimum $1000 fine

Impaired driving – Hybrid offences (combinations of drugs and alcohol)

- 1st offence: minimum $1000 fine

- 2nd offence: minimum 30 days imprisonment