The first week of a joint-forces initiative targeting impaired driving has already begun paying off.
Quinte West OPP, Belleville Police Service, Central Hastings OPP, Prince Edward County OPP and members of the OPP Highway Safety Division are conducting focused patrols in various areas of the region to combat impaired driving.
During the first week of the joint RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program, officers arrested four people for impaired driving.
This included a 42-year-old woman from Belleville, a 58-year-old man from Quinte West, a 35-year-old male from Springbrook and a 38-year-old male from Stone Mills Township.
In addition, five three-day suspensions were issued to individuals who registered a warning on the approved roadside alcohol screening device, along with various Highway Traffic Act and cannabis-related offences.
Focused patrol analyzes data to determine crime and traffic trends within municipalities.
This allows detachments to better determine where and when resources should be deployed.
“Impaired driving is one of the greatest threats on our roads,” said Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd. “We are committed to doing our part in reducing impaired driving through targeted enforcement and working in close collaboration with our partners. By removing impaired drivers, we are protecting everyone who shares our streets.”
The focus patrol will continue until November 2, 2025, but RIDE programs will continue any time, anywhere.
