Province increases RIDE police checks

A press release from Northumberland-Quinte West MPP Lou Rinaldi reveals that the provincial government will double its specing in RIDE spot checks. In Northumberland, $85,000 will be handed out to police forces. Of that, $7,037 will go to checks in Cramahe Township.

The September 25 press release states -

The Ontario government is helping to reduce car accidents and save lives in Northumberland and Quinte West by supporting police officers who conduct Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) spot checks.

The combined Northumberland-Quinte West Police Services will receive $85,594.71 for this year's RIDE efforts to keep the roads safe.

Across Ontario, more than 8,000 officers will be funded for a second year — double the number of officers compared to 2007-08.

Ontario's continued support for RIDE makes a direct impact on road safety. Last year police conducted close to 784,000 spot checks, resulting in 970 impaired driving charges and 1,900 12-hour licence suspensions.

The visibility of RIDE spot checks also serves as an effective public education and awareness campaign to deter impaired driving.
In an accompanying statement, Mr. Rinaldi states, “This funding of over $85,000 will help our local law enforcement agencies as they combat those who would risk the lives of others so recklessly by drinking and driving. As a Government we have an obligation to prevent drinking and driving to avoid potential tragedies”.

QUICK FACTS

One hundred and seventy RIDE participants including municipal and First Nations services and OPP municipal contract locations will immediately benefit from increased funding.

In 2008-09 Ontario increased its commitment from $1.2 million to $2.4 million to support year-round spot checks. That amount will be maintained for 2009-10.

Since 1988, Ontario has provided grants to help local police services expand RIDE activities.