Distributed on behalf of the Quinte Region Traffic Coalition
Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Dec. 11, 2023
If you are planning to celebrate this holiday season, don’t drive impaired. Protect yourself and your loved ones by planning ahead for a safe ride home.
The Quinte Region Traffic Coalition (QRTC) wants to help you get #HomeSafeForTheHolidays. This year, the QRTC is again working to bust myths related to impaired driving. In the coming weeks, QRTC partners will be sharing nine short videos educating the public about the importance of planning for a safe ride home. Residents are also reminded that the annual Festive R.I.D.E (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program will once again be conducted by police services throughout the holiday season.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) will be sharing the videos on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, on behalf of the QRTC, throughout the holiday season. The QRTC is asking the public to help spread the messages by talking to loved ones about planning a safe ride home and sharing, liking, and re-tweeting the #HomeSafeForTheHolidays posts.
As many people may be celebrating together this holiday season for the first time in a few years, it is critical that everyone takes steps to avoid driving impaired.
“Impaired driving – regardless of the substance – is completely preventable and something that we are always on the lookout for,” says Staff Sergeant Jeremy Doolan of Quinte West OPP and Co-Chair of the QRTC. “Our team will continue to hold R.I.D.E. checks as part of our efforts to remind all drivers and passengers of the importance of driving sober, and of having a plan to avoid driving under the influence, so that everyone can get home safe for the holidays.”
Instead of driving impaired this holiday season, the QRTC hopes that you will plan for a safe ride home:
- Call a taxi, ride share, or Red Nose Quinte.
- Call a trusted friend or family member.
- Take public transit.
- Arrange for a designated driver.
- Stay overnight.
Residents should be prepared to see R.I.D.E. programs taking place anytime and anywhere, including major roadways, rural back roads, and off-road trails. If you suspect that a driver is impaired, call 911. Impaired driving is not worth the risk. For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving.
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About the QRTC:
The Quinte Region Traffic Coalition is a partnership of Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, Ministry of Transportation, Belleville Police, and the Bancroft, Central Hastings, Lennox and Addington County, Prince Edward County, and Quinte West OPP Detachments.
The QRTC aims to reduce the number of incidents resulting in injuries and deaths on roads, trails, and waterways in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.
For more information, contact:
Staff Sergeant Jeremy Doolan
Quinte West OPP
Jeremy.Doolan@opp.ca
