Joint forces impaired driving blitz taking place in National Capital Region

OTTAWA, Nov. 30, 2017 /CNW/ - On December 2, the RCMP will be conducting a Canada-wide enforcement blitz targeting impaired drivers. In the National Capital Region, the National Division RCMP will continue the enforcement effort in partnership with the Ottawa Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police by conducting Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checkpoints throughout the month of December.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), crashes involving alcohol and/or drugs are the leading criminal cause of death in Canada. Impaired driving is an entirely preventable cause of death and injury, one that has a devastating impact on families and communities. The Ottawa RIDE Program gives policing partners an opportunity to take a collaborative, coordinated approach to targeting impaired drivers while serving as a reminder to motorists that this crime will not be tolerated.

"Motorists should know that impaired driving isn't just limited to alcohol, it also includes using drugs, even prescription drugs, which can be just as dangerous when you're operating a motor vehicle," said Staff Sergeant Chris Fraser, non-commissioned officer in charge of RCMP National Division Special Operations. "There's always an alternative to driving impaired. Call a taxi or Uber, assign a designated driver or stay on someone's couch."

A small decision can have enormous consequences. This holiday season, make the right choice before getting behind the wheel.

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police