Peel has been given $57,034 to support year-round spot checks, part of the province’s commitment to double RIDE program funding to police services across Ontario to $2.4 million. Provincial funding helps cover the cost of officers’ paid duty and overtime for additional RIDE spot checks.
Drinking and driving is a leading cause of criminal traffic deaths, according to Rick Bartolucci, Ontario’s community safety and correctional services minister.
In Ontario last year, police checked more than 500,000 drivers in spot checks, resulting in 466 drivers charged.
Peel police Chief Mike Metcalf said combating drunk driving is a priority for Peel police.
“This funding announcement will enhance our existing programs to detect and apprehend those who choose to drink and drive, and will keep our streets safe,” he said.
Last year, Peel police charged 1,296 drivers with being drunk behind the wheel.
Between 1996 and 2005, the number of serious injuries from drinking and driving related crashes has dropped 51 per cent, according to provincial figures.
RIDE began in 1977 as Reduce Impaired Driving in Etobicoke. It is now a province-wide campaign and the name has been tweaked to stand for Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere.
