RIDE Program 2011 - Early Statistics are Disappointing

Written by Blair Carter

This time of year must be one of frustration for some members of the Durham Regional Police Service. Just one weekend into the service's annual Festive RIDE program, 19 motorists have been charged with impaired driving.

This total is despite years of anti-drunk driving messages, years of beating the drum not to drink and drive, years of waging the battle. Yet, for some, the dangers of having a few and then getting behind the wheel still haven't registered.

On Tuesday, Nov. 15, the DRPS kicked off its 2011 campaign. On Monday, out came the press release with the discouraging news of the impaired charges and seven three-day suspensions.

If there's a silver lining in this black cloud, it's the seven three-day suspensions. Last year, in the first week of the campaign, 22 motorists saw their licences suspended.

Why is it, that after repeated calls, demands, requests, pleas to not drink and drive, some just don't heed the message?

Why is it some people don't think the rules apply to them?

At the kick-off, Chief Mike Ewles said, "This program has had incredible results. It is critical that this holiday season is the best. We will get these people off of the streets and we will hold them accountable for their actions."

Driving drunk is no different that waving a loaded weapon while intoxicated. No one would or could argue that waving a gun while drunk is a good idea. Yet, too many still think it's worth the risk to get behind the wheel while impaired.

It's early in the RIDE program and the numbers could come in lower than last year's total of 155 charged with impaired offences or issued a warning. If you're driving, make the smart choice of planning ahead and finding an alternate way home.

For those still thinking the risk is worth it, facing an impaired charge could mean $50,000 in costs -- hiring a lawyer, paying for an alternate method of transportation for a year, going through the process of getting a driver's licence again and then increased insurance costs once you get your licence back.

And that's only if you're lucky.

Choosing to drink and drive could cost your life.