8,000 drivers, three allegedly impaired in WRPS Festive R.I.D.E. program

Another year, another successful Festive R.I.D.E. (Reducing Impaired Driving Everywhere) program in Waterloo Region.

Police released the results of the program Friday morning, showing out of 8,157 drivers stopped, three were said to be driving impaired.

In total, nine three-day suspensions were handed out with 24 Highway Traffic Act charges and one Cannabis Control Act charge laid.

Staff Sergeant Griffiths of the WRPS Traffic Services Unit said in a release, “Our members will continue to be on the lookout for impaired drivers throughout 2025 and we ask drivers to please make the right decision and not drive if you choose to consume alcohol or drugs.”

Waterloo Regional Police are also reminding all young drivers, novice drivers, and commercial drivers, they are to have no alcohol and/or drugs in their system while driving.

The Festive R.I.D.E. program ran between November 15, 2024, and January 1, 2025.

Guelph R.I.D.E. results

In Guelph, police stopped 1,726 vehicles during the campaign. According to officers, two impaired driving charges were laid and six people had their licences suspended for three days after registering a “warning” on the roadside device.

Officials note that during the 2023-24 campaign police checked 100 fewer vehicles but still laid two impaired charges and six three-day suspensions.

“Please don’t drive if you are going to consume alcohol or cannabis, and please ensure that you plan ahead so that you have a safe ride home,” a press release reads. “Anyone who spots a suspected impaired driver is asked to immediately call 911.”