The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding those who plan on consuming alcohol or cannabis this New Year’s Eve, to plan ahead for a safe ride home. "Take responsibility for your actions,” said Inspector Mike McConnell, West Region traffic/marine manager. “Everyone that operates a motor vehicle needs to realize that there is no safe level […]
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding those who plan on consuming alcohol or cannabis this New Year’s Eve, to plan ahead for a safe ride home.
"Take responsibility for your actions,” said Inspector Mike McConnell, West Region traffic/marine manager. “Everyone that operates a motor vehicle needs to realize that there is no safe level of alcohol or drug consumption when getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.
“Arrange for a designated driver, take a taxi, or stay overnight. It is not worth risking your life or the lives of others".
OPP remind residents that any amount of alcohol or drugs can impair one's ability to drive.
“If you are stopped by the police and register a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) in the ‘warn range’ you could face an immediate driver's licence suspension,” a news release noted. “If you are found to be over the legal limit, you will face a 90-day driver's licence suspension, a court appearance, and your vehicle will be impounded for 7 days.
Drivers can expect to see OPP officers continuing to conduct RIDE checkpoints into the New Year as part of the OPP's Provincial Traffic Safety Program.
“Please, plan-ahead and do your part to make this a safe New Year's celebration for everyone,” police added. “Let's make some great memories so that your night is not marred by a tragedy.”
As of Dec. 28, 309 impaired driving charges have been laid across the West Region, as part of this year’s Festive RIDE campaign that began Nov. 16. That includes 41 charges laid in Lambton County.
