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OPP R.I.D.E. PROGRAM 1987/88 BLITZ TORONTO â€" The Ontario Provincial Police Christmas/New Year R.I.D.E. driver check program begins Sunday, November 15 on a province wide basis. The OPP R.I.D.E. program is a yearâ€"round antiâ€"impaired driving campaign, stepped up for eight weeks during the peak of the festive season. The twoâ€"week extension of the Christmas/New Year R.I.D.E. blitz, which ran for only six weeks prior to last year's program, has proved effective in screening twice as many motorists, and getting hundreds of impaired drivers and liquor law violators off the roads. Impaired driving is still one of the most significant factors in approximately half of all fatal motor vehicle accidents investigated by the OPP. "The OPP R.I.D.E. program is an essential means of reducing the risk of accidents and fatalities on our highways at any time of the year," said OPP Commissioner Archie Ferguson. "The potential for danger has traditionally increased during the Christmas season, and for this reason the OPP will place a high priority on taking impaired drivers off??? 1the 5 road," the Commissioner added. In. ‘ last year's Christmas/New Year R.I.D.E. blitz, OPP officers checked 357,167 drivers across the province and charged 1 , 193 people with alcoholâ€"related Criminal Code of Canada driving offences. A total of 2,938 motorists were taken off the road with 12â€"hour licence suspensions and 1.595 people faced Liquor Licence Act charges for having alcohol easily accessible to the driver. The OPP will operate a minimum of 40 R.I.D.E. check locations across Ontario every day , stopping more than 20,000 vehicles weekly. All available manpower, aided by auxiliary members, will be committed to the R.I.D.E. program during the twoâ€"month Christmas/New Year blitz. "The OPP R.I.D.E. checks may inconvenience the motoring public, but we will keep the delays down to a minimum," said Commissioner Ferguson. "Our main purpose is to save lives and prevent accidents and it is in everyone's best interest that we stop impaired driving," said Commissioner Ferguson. Westport OPP Detachment will also be actively involved in the Province-wide R. I . D . E . program. There has been a special squad selected from surrounding Detachments to provide roadside checks. The constables assigned to this squad will augment normal Detachment duties, should the need arise. They will be fully equipped with roadside screening devices, commonly known as ALERTS, to check any driver who has been drinking. A driver registering a "Fail" response on the ALERT will be arrested and taken to a breathalyzer for a final breath test. It should also be noted that the special squad. will not be the only officers conducting roadside checks. All surrounding Detachments will be setting up their own roadside checks at various locations as manpower and duties permit. Please keep in mind that when you or your group apply for a Special Occasion Permit from the Liquor Licence Board, a copy of this is sent to the local Police office to make the officers aware of the location and number of people expected to attend . Remember, one of our main goals is to keep our roads safe so that you and your family may enjoy the festive season, rather than have it end in a tragedy. ELECTROLUX CANADA CUSTOMER SERVICE LET ME SHOW YOU HOW TO REVITALIZE YOUR CARPET FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON YOUR AUTHORIZED DEALER JOE STADIG RIDEAU CRAFTS EA 15th Saturday, November 28 Rideau District High School W Bring your family heirlooms to the show this year. A panel of experts will offer their opinion and a written appraisal of the age, prove- nance and present market value of a broad range of collectibles. Appraisers: Paul Byington â€" Executive member of Isabel Jones «â€" Museum of Man Ottawa. Douglas McNichol â€" Curator, Perth Cost: $5.00 per item Admission 81, Children under 12free !’ “DO YOU HEAQ WHAT 1 NORTH LEEDS LANTERN l7 70 craftspeople this year! 10-3 pm Elgin, Ont. (linllertnr's mimic" Cdn. Antique Dealers Assoc. Museum. HEAD 0?” Presented BUâ€" THE COMBINED CHOIQS or DELTA. ELGlN and PORTLAND UNITED CHUQCHES SUNDAY-29 NOV-ll A.M ELGlN-UNITED~CHURCH SUNDAY- 6 DEC - 999 PM DELTA-UNITED- CHURCH SUNDAY- I3 DEC- 80.? PM PORTLAND‘UNITED CHURCH E veryane Ade/come