Cornwall, ON – As Thanksgiving weekend approaches, many of us are looking forward to spending time with family and friends and reflecting on all that we are grateful for. However, alongside the festivities, it’s important to remember that the long weekend can also lead to increased travel, social gatherings and alcohol consumption. This combination increases the risk of impaired driving, which is why members of CPS will be out this long weekend conducting RIDE programs in our community.

A RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program is a proactive initiative by police to increase road safety by targeting impaired driving. Police will be establishing random roadside checkpoints throughout our community to check for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If you happen to pass through a RIDE program, be prepared for a quick interaction with CPS officers. They will ask questions in regards to alcohol and drug consumption and may request further testing. If an officer believes you may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and makes a request for further testing, it is important to cooperate as failing to do so can lead to criminal charges that carry the same penalties as impaired operation of a motor vehicle.

Here are a few tips if you are planning to celebrate this weekend;

·         Designate a sober driver

·         Plan ahead with family or friends for a safe ride home

·         Call a taxi

·         Be aware of your medication’s side effects: If you’ve been prescribed medication, be sure to consult your physician or pharmacist about whether      it can affect your ability to drive.

Police would also like to remind everyone that road safety is a shared responsibility and wants everyone to make it home safely. Please take a few moments to plan your transportation and encourage friends and family to do the same. If you suspect someone may be operating a vehicle under the influence to alcohol or drugs, contact police immediately.

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Media Contact:
Georges Levere
Cornwall Police Service
Phone: 613-933-5000 x2702
Mobile: 613-551-6841
Levere.ge@cornwallpolice.com