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2 Friday, November 22, 2024 brooklintowncrier.com Brooklin's Community Newspaper Proud to be a Brooklinite Since 2000. Published 24 times per year. Editor, Richard Bercuson 613-769-8629 • editorofbtc@gmail.com • Circulation 8000 • Delivery via Canada Post Locally owned and operated. A publication of Appletree Graphic Design Inc. We accept advertising in good faith but do not endorse advertisers nor advertisements. All editorial submissions are subject to editing. For advertising information, contact: Email: mulcahy42@rogers.com Next Issue: Friday, December 6, 2024 Deadline: Friday, November 29, 2024 Brooklin TOWN CRIER.com Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) officially kicked off its 2024 Festive R.I.D.E (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign today at the DRPS Operations Training Centre in Whitby. Over the next six weeks, our R.I.D.E team will be out across Durham Region ensuring our roadways are safe. Last year's R.I.D.E campaign saw a total of 12,682 vehicles stopped, with 87 drivers charged with drinking and driving offences - an increase in the number of impaired drivers from 2023 where 9,907 vehicles were stopped and 77 charged. Chief Peter Moreira helped kick- off this year's campaign and had a message for motorists. "Impaired driving will not be tolerated on our roadway," he said. "Sadly, people are still not getting the message. The consequences of impaired driving are devastating, leading to tragedies that affect countless lives. "Already this year, we have surpassed the total number of impaired motor vehicle collisions in all of 2023 and we are only in November. Right now, we are trending at a nearly 30 per cent increase - with 165 impaired collisions in 2024. In all of 2023, there were 128. This is unacceptable." DRPS' R.I.D.E team lead Sgt. Greg Carroll added, "This holiday season you will see our team deployed using a strategic, data driven approach. Keeping our roadways safe is not something that can be accomplished by DRPS alone. We are making a plea to the community - if you see something, say something. We ask that everyone take personal responsibility when it comes to driving. Plan ahead--whether it's arranging a designated driver, using Durham Transit, or calling a cab or rideshare service, there are always safer options. If you suspect an impaired driver please note the vehicle colour, make and model, licence plate, direction of travel and call 9-1-1. MADD also launched its annual "Project Red Ribbon" campaign to promote sober driving during the holiday season and remind Canadians about the importance of planning ahead for a sober ride home. The holiday season remains a busy time on our roadways and a time of high risk for impaired driving. MADD Durham Region is urging people to take a few minutes to plan ahead. If you're going to be consuming alcohol or drugs, arrange a sober ride. For more information on MADD Durham Region's Project Red Ribbon campaign visit, MADD Chapters.ca/Durham or follow them on social media @ MADDDurham If you see a driver you suspect is impaired, please call 9-1-1 to report it to police; the call you make could save a life. DRPS wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season! DRPS Launches 2024 Festive R.I.D.E. Campaign SALES (905) 721-6599 SERVICE (905) 721-6588 PARTS (905) 721-6577 445 Winchester Road East, Brooklin November 18th-30th DOOR PRIZES! STOCK units have extra Cash$$ Monday - Thursday 9:00am-7:00pm Friday 9:00am-5:30pm Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm Sunday Closed 1201 Dundas St. East, Whitby SALES 905-668-5846 SERVICE 905-668-8871 PARTS 905-668-8853 THIS EDITION ON-LINE ONLY DUE TO CANADA POST STRIKE PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON Brooklin TOWN CRIER