Summer RIDE program pulls over 1,379 drivers in Durham

Durham Regional Police charged seven people with impaired driving in conducting their first Summer RIDE program this past weekend.

Police were joined by volunteers from MADD Durham, who helped educate drivers about the dangers of drunk driving. In total, 1,379 vehicles were stopped during the weekend initiative, which ran from Friday night until Sunday evening.

Police said while the RIDE program places an emphasis on impaired-related offences, officers were focused on all aspects of road safety.

“While the vast majority of motorists are abiding by the rules and regulations, some people seem oblivious to the dangers of impaired driving,” police said in a news release. “Officers responded to four accidents involving impaired drivers.”

Summer RIDE totals from this past weekend include:

• 1,379 vehicles stopped by RIDE
• 25 people given roadside breath tests
• two people received three-day licence suspensions for registering a “warn” reading
• seven people were charged with impaired driving offences
• 14 other Criminal Code charges

Police said they’re grateful for the calls and information provided by the public with respect to impaired drivers during their effort.

“Please remember: If you see it, report it – it could save a life,” police said.

Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, anyone charged with a criminal impaired driving offence will have their driver’s licence suspended for 90 days and their vehicle impounded automatically for seven days.