Police clamp down on drunk driving over the holidays

News Release
O.P.P.

The Rainy River District OPP Detachment remains vigilant in their efforts in stopping those who choose to drive while impaired. Since December 1st, 2011 Rainy River District OPP officers have conducted 78 RIDE programs (143 hours) including 4,023 vehicle checks.
As a result of their efforts, officers have administered five roadside tests, they have located and charged six suspended drivers and they have investigated two separate drug occurrences resulting in officers seizing 117 Ecstasy (MDMA) pills and marijuana.
On December 3, 2011, Rainy River District OPP assisted Canada Border Services officers at the Fort Frances port of entry when Benjamin AMIDON, age 22 years of International Falls, MN. AMIDON attempted to drive across the border into Canada while his ability to operate his vehicle was impaired. OPP officers arrested and charged the driver with Having Over 80 milligrams and later released him on a Recognizance with a cash bond. His next court appearance is January 9, 2012 in Fort Frances.
On December 3, 2011, OPP officers were conducting a Festive RIDE program through the RIDE grant program on the east end of Fort Frances. At approximately 11:37 pm, officers observed a vehicle driving in the direction of the RIDE program suddenly turn off the roadway into a driveway. Officers stopped the vehicle and found the driver, David BAXTER, age 34 years of Alberton Township, to be operating his vehicle while impaired. He was arrested, his vehicle was impounded and once the investigation was complete, he was released from custody with a court date of December 19, 2011. BAXTER has subsequently pled guilty receiving a $1,000 fine and a one year driving prohibition.
Furthermore, on December 17, 2011 at 2:01 am, OPP officers stopped a vehicle on Colonization Road West near Armstrong Place in Fort Frances. When the officer approached the vehicle, the driver was noticed to be showing signs of impairment and was placed under arrest. During the course of the arrest, the male driver became actively resistant, assaultive towards police and damaged the police vehicle. David MARSH, age 45, of Alberton Township was charged with Impaired Driving, Obstruct/Resisting Arrest, Failing to Provide A Breath Sample, Assault Police and Mischief Under $5,000. His vehicle was impounded and was held in custody. He has attended court and was released on a Recognizance with surety.
Impaired driving is 100% avoidable. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Provincial stats
The tallies are in for the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) 2011-2012 Festive R.I.D.E. campaign and the final number of impaired drivers caught over the holidays came as bittersweet news to the Commissioner of the OPP.
The Festive R.I.D.E. campaign got underway on November 25, 2011 and wrapped up on January 1, 2012. During that time, OPP officers removed a total of 1,203 impaired drivers off our roads and highways throughout the six Ontario regions that are policed by the OPP. Of this total, 652 were charged with impaired driving and the other 551 were issued immediate Warn Range suspensions for having a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) between .05 and .08. In comparison, during the 2010-2011 Festive R.I.D.E. campaign, 308 drivers were charged with impaired driving and 613 were issued Warn Range suspensions.
“On one hand, I am extremely proud of the hard work on the part of our officers who made this campaign highly-effective in removing these dangerous drivers from our roads over the holidays. On the other hand, I am disappointed that these drivers would risk their lives and the lives of others,” said OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis.
In 2011, 47 people died in alcohol-related crashes on OPP-patrolled roads.
According to Chief Superintendent Don Bell, Commander of the OPP Highway Safety Division (HSD), drivers shouldn’t let their guard down just because the holiday season is over.
“The results of our Festive R.I.D.E. campaign and the dangers associated with driving impaired have been widely-publicized in the news, yet more than 1200 drivers still chose to ignore our strong messaging and warnings about impaired driving,” says HSD Commander Chief Bell. “For those who feel relieved that our campaign is over, be warned that our regular R.I.D.E. initiatives will continue to be conducted throughout the province year-round so there is no safe haven for impaired drivers anywhere or anytime on Ontario roads,” added Bell.
The OPP would like to thank all those who acted responsibly over the holidays by driving sober and helping to make Ontario roads safe for everyone.