South Simcoe Police release RIDE stats to date

It has been three weeks since police services across Ontario launched the Festive RIDE program, and South Simcoe Police officers have been busy participating in the campaign.

To date, police have stopped a total of six thousand, seven hundred and forty five (6,745) vehicles in RIDE checks. Three (3) drivers have been arrested for Impaired Driving or Driving Over 80 mgs, another three (3) have been arrested for other Criminal Code offences including Dangerous Driving and Driving While Disqualified. Two (2) people have found themselves facing drug charges after being stopped by police with drugs inside their vehicle. Fifty three (53) drivers have been required to provide roadside breath tests, resulting in thirteen (13) loosing their drivers licences for 12 hours after registering a Warning. Six (6) charges have also been issued under the Highway Traffic Act for equipment problems on vehicles.

South Simcoe Police have conducted several RIDE programs with neighbouring police agencies already this year, including York Regional Police, OPP - Central Region, OPP - Highway Safety Division, Midland Police and Barrie Police, and the inter-agency cooperation will continue until the completion of the program Additionally, South

Simcoe Police have a new piece of equipment to help them combat impaired drivers.

On Thursday, the service introduced their new mobile breath testing unit. The vehicle, a Freightliner truck was made possible by several local community sponsors.

The vehicle is equipped with a mobile intoxilyzer which will allow police to conduct breath tests at the side of the road. In the past, police were required to transport a suspected drunk driver to the police station for breath testing.

This often resulted in at least two police officers having to come into the office and perform the required tests.

The new RIDE truck will allow police to facilitate this testing at the side of the road and reduce unnecessary delays throughout the process.

The unit is also equipped with a mobile data terminal, printer and fax machine which will allow police to complete all necessary paperwork on the scene.

The truck is equipped with a cellular phone to allow suspected drunk drivers to contact their lawyer or duty counsel immediately.

Several local businesses provided funding and equipment to support the new vehicle. They include: MADD - Barrie/Simcoe Chapter; Debbie Moran - State Farm Insurance, Bradford; Galloway Motors, Bradford; KFC, Bradford & Innisfil; Bradford Rental Sales & Service; China Garden Restaurant, Bradford; Zander Sod Farm, Newmarket; Tim Br Mart, Bradford; Tim Horton's, Bradford; Home Hardware, Bradford; Laidlaw Transportation, Newmarket; Mr. John Wardrop, Innisfil; Telequip Systems, Barrie; D&R Electronics, Bolton; Mitchell Signs and Imaging, Barrie;Barrie Honda

The Festive RIDE program will continue until January 6th, 2007.

Remember, don’t drink and drive - always have a designated driver or have extra money on hand for a taxi ride home.