OPP nab 18 impaired drivers during the fourth week of the RIDE campaign

Ontario Provincial Police vehicles at an investigation scene. (Source: OPP/File Image)

Eighteen more drivers have been added to Santa's blacklist during the fourth week of the Festive RIDE campaign (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) in eastern Ontario, according to the Ontario Provincial police.

The latest numbers bring the total number of impaired drivers to 83, since the campaign kicked off Nov. 21.

"Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts everyone at risk. The safety of our community always comes first, so you can expect our officers will be out enforcing the laws, keeping our roadways safe. If you are celebrating throughout this holiday season, I urge you to make responsible choices. Let's all do our part to ensure this holiday season is safe for everyone,” said chief superintendent, Lisa Wilhelm, OPP East Region commander.

Police say over 795 drivers have been checked during the campaign.

Meanwhile, 23 drivers received “warning-range suspensions," including licence suspensions and vehicle impoundments.

The OPP warns that there is no specific timing for RIDE programs to take place, as they "can happen anywhere, anytime - day or night."

A new survey by CAA suggests that more people are driving high in Ontario. The survey of 1,664 Ontario drivers 19 and up found that nearly one in five (19 per cent) admitted to consuming cannabis before getting behind the wheel, up from five per cent the year before. The survey also found that the most common reasons for driving while impaired by cannabis included drivers thinking they didn't take that much, that they had no other way to get home, or that they thought it would only be a short drive.

Anyone who suspects an impaired driver is asked to call 9-1-1.