THUNDER BAY -- Social media is making festive RIDE programs easier to avoid.
But rather than give up, Thunder Bay Police say they’re going to get a little more creative with where they set up their drinking and driving checkpoints this holiday season.
Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter on Thursday said he hopes the new tactic makes it tougher for impaired drivers to make it home without being stopped by police.
“We have to evolve, we have to change and so what you’ll see is we’ll be getting into less travelled areas. We’ll be getting into the neigbourhoods,” Porter said.
“You might see RIDE programs run where there are no flashing lights a kilometre down the road. You won’t have a chance to turn off. It’ll just be right there.”
In other words, drivers should expect to turn onto a residential street like Porcupine Drive and be surprised by a RIDE program as likely as they might on Memorial Avenue.
Luckily, Porter said, the message does seem to be getting across.
No longer is drinking and driving socially acceptable.
“We’re noticing that a lot of people are turning to alternative services, like Operation Red Nose or getting designated drivers,” Porter said.
“Last year I was totally surprised at the number of people wearing pajamas that were coming through the RIDE program. And that’s absolutely fantastic. People are making those arrangements ahead of time, making the call and getting a sober drive out there.”
But it certainly doesn’t mean everyone is listening, he added. But it’s getting better.
“I think it is working on a lot of different levels. I think that people understand the message and that they are starting to change their behavior,” Porter said.
RIDE programs began on Nov. 24 and are scheduled to end on Jan. 2.
As an added bonus to drivers caught obeying the law, Thunder Bay Police, OPP, Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service, the RCMP and Anishnabek Police Service will be handing out Operation Heat Coupons, a partnership with Mac’s Convenience Stores.
The coupons can be redeemed for a free hot beverage at any Mac’s in Thunder Bay.
