Peel – Peel Regional Police are announcing the launch of the 2012 Festive Season R.I.D.E. Campaign and our goal to reduce impaired driving.

The Festive Season R.I.D.E. Campaign focuses on detecting and removing those individuals from our roads who choose to drink and drive. It will run throughout the holiday season, commencing Thursday, November 22, 2012, and carrying into the New Year.

Although Peel Regional Police conduct R.I.D.E. checks throughout the year, the annual holiday campaign is marked by an increase in enforcement levels through the deployment of additional officers. These additional officers come from across the region as well as Traffic Services.

Peel Regional Police maintain a zero-tolerance policy with respect to drinking and driving related offences, and this commitment is reflected in the number of officers assigned to the program.

Impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of crime-related deaths in Canada. The education and apprehension of those who choose to commit this type of criminal offence is a policing priority for Peel Regional Police.

Inspector Robert Orr, the Officer-in-Charge of Traffic Services, said, “Impaired driving is one of the leading road safety concerns in our community. Driving while impaired significantly increases the risk of motor vehicle collisions that result in injuries and/or death. Every single injury and death caused by drunk driving is totally preventable. Officers assigned to R.I.D.E. are specially trained to recognize signs of driver impairment and they will be out in full force over the holidays. Please plan your transportation responsibly. Don’t drink and drive.”

The name of every individual arrested and charged with a drinking and driving related offence, during the Holiday R.I.D.E. campaign, will be released to the media.

Peel Regional Police would like to remind everyone that road safety is a shared responsibility. Please think before you drink and drive. It is not worth risking your life or the life of another person.