York Regional Police launched its enhanced Festive RIDE program in Markham on Nov. 26 to patrol for drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Despite the windy weather, officers were out on Bur Oak Avenue near 16th Avenue to stop drivers and inform them about the dangers of drunk driving.
“We will not allow weather to deter our fight against impaired driving on York Region roads,” Staff Sergeant Andy Graham said.
He said the location and time of the RIDE set-up was significant as a mom and her 4-year-old daughter were killed in a crash involving an impaired driver in that area in August 2016.
The crash that claimed the lives of 42-year-old Inoka Athuraliya-Liyana-Waduge and her daughter happened at about 9:45 a.m.
“Historically, impaired driving has been seen as an after hours or late night event but unfortunately this is just not the case,” Graham said.
YRP Deputy Chief Cecile Hammond, who also spoke at the launch, dedicated this year’s RIDE to the victims.
“This loss will never be forgotten by the victims’ family and friends, our community, and I can assure you it is not forgotten by York Regional Police,” she said.
Five years later, she said it is frustrating to see impaired driving is still happening.
“It is hard to believe that we are still dealing with such horrific incidents, considering how long we’ve been arranging this for,” Hammond said. “It’s frustrating for us to see that irresponsible drivers still are not getting the message.”
YRP said this year’s enhanced RIDE program means they will have an even bigger presence this holiday season.
“We are deploying additional officers in our efforts to locate suspected impaired drivers on the roads of York Region,” Graham said. “This year’s enhanced RIDE program will focus on known locations where people are known to gather to consume alcohol and drugs.”
In the pandemic, they are anticipating that people will be gathering more in private residences.
“With COVID, many things have changed and the way that community members consumer alcohol and drugs changed along with that ... Members of the community can expect to encounter our festive RIDE programs in residential areas and arteries leading into residential areas,” Graham said.
People who are going to be drinking or consuming drugs this holiday season, and any other time, are encouraged to plan ahead, have a designated driver, or find a safe way home like a ride service or public transit.
If you see a driver that you suspect is impaired by drugs or alcohol, you are encouraged to call 9-1-1.
“It is a crime in progress and we will respond to that call,” Graham said.
He said YRP have received 4,700 calls from concerned citizens this year and those calls, along with other efforts from investigators have led to 1,300 impaired-related arrests so far in 2021.
The festive RIDE program will run through to the new year.
