Ontario Invests in Police Services to Keep Impaired Drivers Off the Road

Funding will help carry out vital mission year-round

TORONTO — Ontario is investing approximately $2.4 million in funding through its Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) Grant to help police services across the province detect impaired drivers and keep our streets and highways safe.

172 police services will receive the funding they need to carry out this vital road safety mission throughout the year.

“Sadly, impaired driving continues to be the leading criminal cause of death and injury in Canada,” said Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General. “The funding our local police services receive will help them conduct regular roadside spot-checks and education campaigns needed to detect impaired drivers and keep our roads safe throughout the year.”

In the last decade in Ontario, more than 1,700 lives have been lost and over 25,000 people injured in collisions involving an impaired driver. With the legalization of recreational cannabis last year, roadside spot-checks have proven even more crucial.

“Impaired drivers, whether by drugs or alcohol, can be found on the road every single day — not just around the holidays,” said Solicitor General Jones. “It’s simple – don’t get behind the wheel if you’re impaired – make alternative arrangements to get home. This single decision can save your life and the lives of others.”

As Ontarians prepare for the holiday season, they are reminded to make plans to get home safely whether by arranging for a designated driver, ordering a taxi or rideshare or taking public transit. They should also take immediate action if they see someone who may be impaired by arranging a ride for them, suggesting alternate arrangements, or even calling 911 if someone is a risk to themselves and others.

Quick Facts

  • All municipal and First Nations police services and OPP municipal contract locations are eligible for funding under the RIDE grant program.
  • The grant is intended to cover sworn officers’ overtime and paid duty RIDE activities.
  • Drivers who are found to be driving while impaired will face penalties immediately. They will also face additional consequences later if they are convicted in court. Impaired driving penalties can vary depending on the driver’s age, licence type, the amount of alcohol or drugs in their system, and how many times they have been convicted.

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