NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE POLICE SERVICE
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The Barrie Police Service Traffic Unit recently joined South Simcoe Police and the OPP to launch the Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign for 2021.
Working in partnership with our dedicated Traffic Services Unit, our service currently has 65 certified Standardized Field Sobriety Test-trained officers and nine active Drug Recognition Evaluators that can be called upon to investigate suspected impaired drivers.
So far in 2021, the Barrie Police Service has responded to more than 300 calls for impaired drivers. That’s almost one every single day.
With more people planning a holiday get-together this year, the Barrie Police Service reminds drivers that impaired driving doesn’t just refer to impaired by alcohol. Any drug or alcohol substance, legal or illicit that may impair your ability to safely operate a vehicle, can cause impairment.
While the vast majority of drivers take precautions to ensure they arrive safely at their destination, there are unfortunately those who will make the choice to get behind the wheel when they are impaired. This puts them in danger, as well as others on the roads.
The following are some possible signs of an impaired driver, as shared by MADD Canada:
- Driving unreasonably fast, slow, or at an inconsistent speed
- Drifting in and out of lanes
- Tailgating and changing lanes frequently
- Making exceptionally wide turns
- Changing lanes or passing without sufficient clearance
- Overshooting or stopping well before stop signs or stop lights
- Disregarding signals and lights
- Approaching signals or leaving intersections too quickly or slowly
- Driving without headlights, failing to lower high beams, or leaving turn signals on
- Driving with windows open in cold or inclement weather
Drivers are reminded to always keep a safe distance from any suspected impaired drivers, and if you suspect an impaired driver -- always call 911.
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