First week end of operation RIDE in Ontario

Thunder Bay OPP officials say officers stopped about 6,700 vehicles through six RIDE-program checkpoints over the weekend.

Police set up the checkpoints surrounding the city from Friday to Sunday as part of the seasonal Festive RIDE program.

Police say 11 individuals were charged for drinking and driving offences. Police say they believe 8 suspects were impaired by alcohol and another 3 were impaired by narcotics.

Police also issues seven, 3-day suspensions. Officers also issued more than twenty four province offence notices for the period of the weekend RIDE programs.

Police are now using the Festive RIDE program as an opportunity to remind drivers not to drink and drive. Police ask that persons instead usage a taxi, have a designated driver, or take advantage of Operation Red Nose by calling 344-NOSE (6673).

Operation Red Nose is a program that has volunteers pick you up to transport you to your house.