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Police Services in Nipissing Receive Funding to Combat Impaired Drivers

NORTH BAY — Police services in Nipissing will receive a combined $42,401 in funding through the province’s Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) Grant to help detect impaired drivers and keep our streets and highways safe.

This investment is part of the government’s investment of $2.4 million recently announced that will enable a total of 172 police services across the province to carry out this important road safety mission throughout the year.

“With this funding, our local police services will be able to conduct regular roadside spot-checks and education campaigns needed to detect impaired drivers and keep our roads safe,” said Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli. “It will help pay for cover sworn officers’ overtime and paid duty RIDE activities, and that’s really important.”

In the last decade in Ontario, more than 1,700 lives have been lost and over 25,000 people injured in collisions involving an impaired driver. With the legalization of recreational cannabis last year, roadside spot-checks have proven even more crucial.

“Impaired drivers, whether by drugs or alcohol, can be found on the road every single day — not just around the holidays,” said Solicitor General Jones. “It’s simple – don’t get behind the wheel if you’re impaired – make alternative arrangements to get home. This single decision can save your life and the lives of others.”

As Ontarians prepare for the holiday season, they are reminded to make plans to get home safely whether by arranging for a designated driver, ordering a taxi or rideshare or taking public transit. They should also take immediate action if they see someone who may be impaired by arranging a ride for them, suggesting alternate arrangements, or even calling 911 if someone is a risk to themselves and others.