No impaired driving offences on recent RIDE check night

Are Windsor drivers finally getting the message about the irresponsibility of impaired driving? Or are the roads just safer because no alcohol is being served after 9 p.m.?

Whatever the reason, Windsor police say they're pleased that a recent RIDE program didn't find any criminal offences despite 329 vehicles being checked.

The program (meant to Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) was conducted by officers of the traffic enforcement branch from late Thursday night to early Friday morning (Dec. 3-4) at three different locations across the city.

The entire night of monitoring resulted in four roadside tests being conducted, and the issuance of a three-day licence suspension for one driver.

No charges related to impaired driving were laid.

Driving while intoxicated by alcohol, or drugs, or both, can be a “serious criminal offence,” reminded Windsor police.

Anyone who suspects an impaired driver is on the road should call 911 immediately.

Police ask callers to be ready with information such as the colour, make, and model of the vehicle involved; a licence plate number; and a direction of travel.

On Nov. 30, Windsor-essex entered “red” or “control” status under Ontario's provincial COVID-19 response framework.

According to the rules of “red” status, restaurants and bars cannot sell or serve alcohol after 9 p.m.

Indoor seating capacity for any establishment is now limited to 10 people, and indoor social gatherings in general are limited to five.