CHATSWORTH – The OPP is conducting its annual Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign from November 24, 2014 to January 2, 2015.

Grey County OPP is reminding drivers that any amount of alcohol, or other drugs, can impair one's ability to drive. An OPP Drug Recognition Expert can determine if a driver is impaired by drugs other than alcohol. An immediate roadside driver's licence suspension can be issued to drivers who register a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in the "Warn Range" of .05 to .08. A BAC of over .08 will result in an impaired driving charge. Failure or refusal to provide a breath sample is an offence and carries the same penalties as that of an impaired driving charge.

If you plan on drinking – plan not to drive. It's that simple. Instead, arrange for a designated driver, take a taxi, stay overnight or use public transit.

We rely on the public to report crime and impaired driving is a crime that should be treated no differently. If you suspect that someone is driving or about to drive impaired, call 9-1-1 and report it.

While the OPP does increase their number of R.I.D.E. checks over the holidays, they remind drivers that R.I.D.E. checks are carried out throughout the year.

Drive sober and have a safe and happy holiday season!
Source - OPP