The Ontario Provincial Police will be setting up RIDE checkpoints starting Friday as part of their annual Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere campaign, continuing to Jan. 2.
Last year, during the five-week OPP initiative, Sudbury and Espanola officers stopped 7,546 vehicles at roadside checkpoints. Five drivers were charged with criminal code alcohol-related offences and 15 12-hour licence suspensions were issued. Officers also issued five 90-day administrative drivers' licence suspensions.
Impaired driving remains the leading criminal cause of death in Canada. Sudbury and Espanola officers did not have to investigate any fatal collisions during the 2004 holiday season.
