The Ottawa Police Service says eight drivers are facing consequences following Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) checks this past weekend. Officers set up RIDE checks in the Kitchissippi, Bay and River ward areas on Thursday, the ByWard Market, and Capital and Osgoode wards on Friday; and in Orléans and in Beacon Hill-Cyrville ward on Saturday. One driver was charged with impaired driving as a result of the checks, while two drivers were charged with having open alcohol in the vehicle. Two other drivers are facing charges under the Cannabis Control Act. Three drivers were given three-day licence suspensions for blowing within the warning range. Ottawa police say since the Festive RIDE season began, officers have had interactions with more than 6,300 drivers. To date, 19 three-day licence suspensions have been issued, four people have been charged with impaired driving, including two novice drivers, and three drivers have been charged with having open alcohol in the car. The checks have also led to two suspended drivers being caught and three other Highway Traffic Act-related charges being laid, including to a driver who failed to have a toddler in a car seat. Ottawa police say 804 drivers have been charged with impaired driving offences so far this year.
