By: Michael Bennett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Ridgetown Independent News
The Chatham-Kent Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police launched their annual Festive Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) campaigns last Wednesday night.
The Chatham-Kent Police set up its first Festive R.I.D.E. spot check on Keil Dr. N., between McNaughton Ave. W. and Baldoon Road, in Chatham.
This location is the traditional starting point for the Festival R.I.D.E. program in remembrance of the Pie Ladies – Verna Neaves, Marion Dawson, Jean Ripley and Bernice Phillips – who were killed at this spot when their vehicle was struck head-on by an impaired driver in the early evening hours of Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, as they were returning from a church function.
Over 170 cars were checked at the Keil Dr. spot check.
Police conducted three more R.I.D.E. programs throughout Chatham-Kent on Wednesday, checking a total of 365 vehicles and administering two roadside tests, but no charges were laid.
However, the impaired driving arrest of a 19-year-old Raleigh Twp. woman on Queen’s Line, west of Chatham, at 2:50 a.m. Thursday, emphasized the frustration of police as they continue to find – and arrest – drivers who are impaired by alcohol and drugs despite all of the warnings and campaigns.
“We see impaired driving as the leading cause of serious or fatal collisions every year,” said Act/Sgt. Lisa Rodger, who heads up the CKPS Traffic Management Unit. “The fact that we’re still seeing (impaired driving), despite how much we advertise ‘don’t drink and drive,’ it’s very frustrating for us.”
“There are so many options – taxi, Uber, call a friend or family member, a designated driver – no matter what we say or do, we’re still catching people,” she stated. “And it’s a totally preventable offence.”
Rodger said Chatham-Kent Police had already arrested 129 drivers on impaired charges before Wednesday night, 33 of those as a result of collisions, including two fatal accidents.
In 2024, four lives were lost as a result of impaired driving, as police made 107 arrests, including 43 drivers who were involved in a collision.
Chatham-Kent Police conducted 75 R.I.D.E. spot checks in 2024, as 6,886 vehicles were stopped and 22 roadside tests were administered.
Police have already set up 78 R.I.D.E. spot checks in 2025 throughout Chatham-Kent before Wednesday’s Festive campaign kicked off.
The Festive campaign begins on the third Wednesday of November across Canada in recognition of the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims to honour and remember those who lost their lives or were seriously injured in preventable road crashes.
“The National Day of Remembrance is a powerful reminder of why initiatives like R.I.D.E. exist,” Rodger said. “Every impaired driver stopped could mean a life saved.”
“Our officers will be visible and proactive throughout the holiday season to help ensure everyone gets home safely,” Rodger said.
Motorists can expect to see a R.I.D.E. spot check at any time on any day throughout the holiday season.
Along with the official Festive R.I.D.E. spot check, Rodger said officers on general patrol often set up their own checkpoints in cities, towns and rural areas across Chatham-Kent.
“We understand it’s the holiday season, people like to celebrate, but do it responsibly,” Rodger said. “If you plan to drink, designate a driver, call a taxi, use a ride share service or arrange alternative transportation.”
“Impaired driving is 100% preventable,” said Rodger. “We’re asking everyone to do their part this holiday season … if you’ve been drinking or using drugs, don’t drive.”
Chatham-Kent Police encourages the public to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911 when it is safe to do so.