Impaired driving up 20 per cent in 2024 Durham Police RIDE campaign
Published January 2, 2025 at 2:46 pm
The 2024 Festive RIDE program charged 105 drivers with impaired offences, a 20 per cent jump on last year, but Durham Police have chosen to focus on the positive, noting that with more than 1,600 cars checked, “the majority of drivers are following the rules.”
New Year’s Eve was a busy night for Durham Regional Police’s RIDE team, with 500 drivers checked and police noted that many of the drivers were ride share or designated drivers.
“We thank all those who made the right choice and drove sober this holiday season.”
All was not rosy during the last week of the annual program, with police reporting Monday that the 100th arrest for drunk driving was lucky to escape alive after his car was totalled.
“Miraculously, there were no injuries as a result of this idiocy.”
The 16,227 vehicles stopped in 2024 is up from12,682 checked in 2023. The 105 people charged with impaired driving is up from 87 the previous year.
Officers gave 1,145 roadside tests – almost double the number (533) from 2023 – and 102 drivers were also given warnings (and three-day suspensions) for registering a blood alcohol between .05 and .08 – nearly triple 2023 RIDE numbers.
Police also laid 1,214 Highway Traffic act charges (up from 972) and gave 16 novice drivers three, seven or 30-day licence suspensions. Drug charges were up substantially during the 2024 campaign, with 17 charges -up from just three in 2023.
“This year 105 drivers were removed from our roads for impaired driving – a choice they made. A choice that jeopardizes the safety of everyone,” Durham Police said in the 2024 RIDE wrap-up. “Our members are thankful for that and incredibly grateful for the calls and information provided by the public with respect to impaired drivers. Please remember: If you see something, say something. Report suspected impaired driving by calling 911 – it could save a life.”
