According to police, on Saturday, November 29th, 2014 the Niagara Regional Police conducted their annual Festive RIDE kickoff. The operation saw 12 officers dedicated to running RIDE Checkpoints at locations in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. Media Officer, Cst Derek Watson, was working with the RIDE team and provided a virtual ride-along to twitter followers throughout the night.
Over the evening officers checked approximately 400 vehicles. Roadside breath tests were given to 34 drivers resulting in 4 drivers being arrested for Over 80mg and 6 other drivers having their drivers licence suspended for 3 days. Throughout the night an additional 3 drivers were arrested for impaired driving. Officers also issued 18 Provincial Offence notices for offences ranging from G2 drivers with alcohol in their system to document related offences. The drivers arrested for Impaired driving and over 80mg had their licences suspended for 90 days, their vehicles impounded for 7 days, and were given future court dates to answer to the charges.
At the Niagara Falls check point officers ticketed a male that was texting on his phone as he entered the checkpoint. A second driver, when asked if he had consumed alcohol, responded by saying “I won’t lie, I haven’t had anything do drink but I did smoke a couple of joints”. Investigation revealed that the marihuana had been smoked earlier in the day and the male was not impaired. Police wish to remind drivers that it is an offence to operate a motor vehicle when impaired either alcohol OR any illegal or prescription drugs.
The Niagara Regional Police remain dedicated to removing impaired drivers from the roadways of our Region and keeping the citizens of Niagara safe. RIDE initiatives will be ongoing throughout the holiday season. Plan ahead, don’t drink and drive and enjoy a safe holiday season.
