From My Bottom Step

A look back at the statistics of impaired driving for 2008 reveal a 14% increase in the number of people arrested. 427 “breathalyzer” tests were conducted in 2008 up from 375 in 2007. Charges were up nearly 20% regarding drinking driving offences.

The RIDE program in 2008 stopped 37,441 motorists compared to 23,331 in 2007, arrested 29 drivers compared to 11 and suspended the licence of 138 drivers compared to 62. These are huge increases!

Is impaired driving getting worse or are the police doing a better job at catching the ones out there that aren’t changing their behavior? Difficult question.

In 2008 45% of all impaired driving charges laid involved a driver that was under the age of 30!!! 65% were under the age of 40. It appears the younger drivers AREN’T getting the message!

Getting even more specific the comparative stats between 2008 and 2007 are very similar: 87% are again male drivers, 28% are involved in collisions and 65% are arrested on the weekend.

Through improved Provincial funding the London Police Service increased the RIDE efforts and the results show that with greater effort MORE impaired drivers can be taken off the street.

Sgt. Tom O’Brien
Traffic Management Unit
London Police Service