The Quinte Region Traffic Coalition kicked off their annual Festive RIDE initiative this morning (Thursday).
This year’s theme is “Know What Impaired Means”.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Medical Officer of Health Dr. Piotr Oglaza at the Quinte Region Traffic Coalition annual Festival RIDE kick off on November 29, 2018. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Dr. Piotr Oglaza the Medical Officer of Health for Hasting Prince Edward Public Health says they aren’t just talking about alcohol or cannabis.
Quinte West OPP Staff Sergeant Greg MacLellan says this initiative shows the cooperative efforts between the OPP detachments, Belleville Police and other police forces to curb impaired driving this holiday season.
Prince Edward County Staff Sergeant John Hatch says they will be visible this holiday season.
Hatch says in Prince Edward County, impaired driving is up 20 per cent this year. They’ve had 43 incidents this year and to him that’s too many.
OPP officers conduct RIDE checks at their annual Qunite Region Traffic Coalition festive RIDE kick off. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
The QRTC offers these tips to stay safe this holiday season:
- If you are planning to drink alcohol or use cannabis, don’t drive
- Take public transit, call a cab, have a designated driver, use a program such as Operation Red Nose or plan to stay overnight
- Talk with your loved ones about ways they can get home safe
- Passengers should speak up if their driver has been drinking or using cannabis for everyone’s safety
- If a guest is impaired, ask for their car keys, invite them to stay overnight or make arrangements for them to get home safe
- If you suspect a driver is impaired, call 911
The QRTC says drivers should be prepared to see RIDE programs taking place anytime and anywhere including major roadways, rural back roads and off-road trails.
The Qunite Region Traffic Coalition festive RIDE program kicked off today. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
