The Russell County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be taking part in the Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign from November 18, 2021, until January 2, 2022.
Motorists across the province and throughout the Russell County OPP Detachment area can expect to encounter RIDE programs at any time of the day or night. Drivers should know that officers can ask them to submit to an Approved Screening Device (ASD) test, a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) and a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluation. SFST-trained officers and DREs have the expertise to detect impairment by alcohol, drugs or even both in a driver.
“Impaired driving continues to be one of the leading causes of injury or death in motor vehicle collisions,” states Russell County OPP Detachment Commander, Luc Duval. “Every one of these collisions is completely preventable.”
“When motorists know they’re likely to encounter a RIDE checkpoint, they’re more likely to think twice about their decisions. Having these second thoughts and making responsible choices is the first step toward forming positive habits during and after Festive RIDE season. If you are planning on drinking or using drugs, don’t drive.”
