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Area Festive RIDE check stops over 3,000 vehicles, four impaired driving charges laid

Police also issued 75 various Provincial Offences Act charges
CollingwoodToday Staff
2021-12-19 OPP RIDE Check Supplied
Area OPP officers stopped more than 3,000 vehicles over a four-day RIDE check.Supplied photo
NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Joint Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) Program have concluded their four day joint enforcement initiative. The spot checks that were conducted over the last four days resulted in more than 3,000 vehicles being stopped.

The results from those checks were:

  • Four impaired driving charges
  • One refusal to comply with demand
  • Three three-day licence suspensions
  • 167 roadside tests administered
  • 75 various Provincial Offences Act charges

Unfortunately, drivers are still not getting the message.

On Dec. 18, 2021, just after 5 pm, officer's stopped a motorist in Clearview Township, at a RIDE spot check. This motorist was arrested at the scene.

As a result, Jeffrey Lawson, 56 years of age, of Clearview Township, has been charged with:

  • Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration 80 plus

Just after midnight, on Dec. 19, 2021, another motorist was stopped, however this time in Springwater Township at a RIDE spot check. This driver was also arrested at the scene.

As a result, Glen Tunstall, 48 years of age, of Springwater Township, has been charged with:

  • Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration 80 plus

Both accused drivers also had their driver's licences suspended for 90 days and vehicles impounded for seven days. Both are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Collingwood in the new year.

Although the joint RIDE initiative has concluded, the OPP remind motorists that the Festive RIDE Campaign continues to run from Nov. 18, 2021, to Jan. 2, 2022.

Ontario citizens are reminded to do their part during the campaign by never driving after consuming alcohol or drugs and never letting anyone else drive if you know or suspect that they have consumed either. 

OPP want to remind everyone that impaired driving is not just a holiday issue. If you suspect someone is driving, or going to drive, while impaired by drugs or alcohol, contact the police immediately by calling 911.

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