The following is a speech provided by the Chatham-Kent Police Service for the 2024 Festive Ride Kick Off, held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024:
Good evening,
Thank you all for being here today as we launch this important campaign to raise awareness about impaired driving. The Chatham-Kent Police Service launches its Festive RIDE program on the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims.
The National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims is a day for reflection, compassion, and unity—one that calls upon each of us to reflect on the importance of road safety and the value of human life.
Every life lost in a road crash is a life filled with potential, dreams, and loved ones. Behind every statistic is a family member, a friend, a colleague—a person whose absence leaves an irreplaceable void. In remembering these victims, we not only honor their memories but also renew our commitment to preventing further tragedies.
Whether it is driving under the influence, speeding, distracted driving, or failing to obey traffic laws, these are choices. The choices we make behind the wheel matter, and they have far-reaching consequences. Today, as we reflect on those who are no longer with us, let us also commit to making our roads safer for everyone. Each life lost could have been saved.
Regardless of whether it is alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs our ability to drive, this issue touches all of us. It impacts our families, our communities, and our loved ones in ways that are both preventable and devastating.
Each year, impaired driving leads to thousands of preventable tragedies, leaving behind not only physical scars but emotional wounds that can last a lifetime. But we know that these tragedies are not inevitable. We have the power to change the outcome.
Our goal is clear: we must educate, prevent, and ultimately reduce impaired driving incidents. This is a community effort—one that requires all of us to act responsibly, spread awareness, and support each other in making the choice to drive sober. It is about holding ourselves and others accountable for the safety of everyone on the road.
We want to remind every individual that the choices they make behind the wheel can change lives in an instant. A decision to drive impaired may seem harmless or justifiable in the moment, but the consequences can be far-reaching. From crashes that cause injury or death to the long-term effects on families and communities, no one wins when impaired driving takes place.
So, let’s take action. Let’s pledge to always plan ahead. If you plan to drink, designate a driver, call a taxi, use a rideshare service, or arrange alternative transportation. If you’re on prescription or recreational drugs, know how they affect your ability to drive and take appropriate precautions. It’s not just about following the law—it’s about making the responsible choice that keeps our roads safe for everyone.
As we begin this campaign, let’s remember that together, we can make a difference. We can spread the word, share the facts, and make sure that no one ever has to experience the pain and suffering caused by impaired driving.
In closing, we remember. We remember the lives lost, the families shattered, and the communities changed forever. But we also remember that, through our collective efforts, we have the power to save lives, to protect our loved ones, and to create safer roads for all.
May the memory of those we’ve lost inspire us to act with kindness, responsibility, and care, both on and off the road. Let us hold them in our hearts and continue to work toward a future where no one else has to experience the pain of road traffic tragedy.
Major Collisions Investigated by Traffic Management Unit in 2023
– 22 call-out collisions
– 17 fatal collisions
– 8 of 22 collisions involved impairment
– 10 deaths from impaired collisions
Major Collisions Investigated by Traffic Management Unit in 2024 to Date
– 18 call-out collisions
– 7 fatal collisions
– 4 of 18 collisions involved impairment
– 3 deaths from impaired collisions
RIDE Program Stats from 2023
– 39 RIDE programs conducted
– 6,581 cars stopped
– 45 roadside tests
– 2 three-day suspensions issued
– 3 criminal code charges
– 8 Highway Traffic Act (HTA) tickets issued
RIDE Program Stats from 2024 (as of November 13)
– 39 RIDE programs conducted
– 4,502 cars stopped
– 14 roadside tests
– 1 three-day suspension issued
– 0 criminal charges
– 5 HTA tickets issued
