The OPP West Region launched its annual Festive RIDE program this morning by noting a disturbing increase in road deaths due to impaired driving.
OPP Insp. Ross Stuart relayed the grim news.
That compares to 15 impaired driving deaths in West Region last year.
Stuart outlined what the campaign hopes to achieve and how long it will operate.
He noted what motorists can expect during the safety blitz.
Stuart reminded motorists the Mandatory Alcohol Screening law allows police with an approved alcohol screening device to demand a roadside breath sample from any lawfully stopped driver without having reasonable suspicion that a driver is alcohol-impaired.
Eight years ago, Sara Neusteter lost her mother when their car was hit head on by an impaired motorist near Tillsonburg.
She relayed her tragic story at the launch of this year’s OPP Festive RIDE program.
Neusteter, with Mothers Against Drunk Driving London, had this emotional message for all motorists.
And, the OPP reminds if you suspect an impaired driver, make that lifesaving 9-1-1 call.
Written by Ian McCallum
