Authorities say plan a sober ride home ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations

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As northern communities prepare for New Year’s Eve celebrations, law enforcement and volunteer organizations are issuing coordinated warnings about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving.

The messages underscore a shared commitment to road safety during this festive period.

Persistent risk despite public awareness

Officials acknowledge that while many have heeded the warnings, a dangerous minority continues to take chances. Ontario Provincial Police emphasized the ongoing risk.

“Most people are getting the message, and that’s good to hear,” said OPP Const. Martin Thibault.

“But there are always some that take a chance and that’s what the message should be ‘It’s not worth the risk’; you’re putting yourself and the other motorist at risk by doing so.”

MADD Canada CEO Steve Sullivan reinforced that the consequences extend beyond the worst-case scenarios often highlighted in public service announcements.

“A lot of our messages are about the worst-case scenario. Someone gets injured or killed. But even if you get stopped at a sobriety check, you know, that’s a criminal record,” he said.

Proactive enforcement, deterrence through ride checks

In response, both the Greater Sudbury Police Service and OPP will be conducting RIDE programs to ensure compliance. Thibault explained the unpredictability of these checks.

“They are checking and stopping vehicles, to ensure that, so, drivers are sober,” he said.

“We were reminding the public that the RIDE program can be anywhere at any time. There’s no specific location.”

Sullivan told CTV News that the visible presence of enforcement itself acts as a powerful deterrent, influencing driver behaviour before they get behind the wheel.

“People do make different decisions if they know police are going to be out there proactively,” he said.

Sullivan further framed enforcement as a life-saving intervention.

“I say getting caught by a police officer is your best-case scenario, because at least you’re going to walk out of that situation alive as are all your passengers,” he said.

Community services provide ride home solutions

Authorities are urging the public to plan ahead for a sober ride home, highlighting several services available to assist.

“If you are planning on enjoying the festivities, just to make sure that you plan ahead, get yourself a ride,” said Thibault.

“I’m sure there’s several agencies out there that are willing to provide.”

One such service is Safe Ride Home Sudbury, which offers a unique solution.

“The unique feature of our service is that we drive clients home in their own vehicle,” said Lesli Green, the organization’s founder.

“We’re trying to keep our community safe, keep our roads safe and at a very important time of year when the festive season is here and a lot of people are out celebrating with holiday cheer and we don’t want to see any more tragedies in our community,” she added, explaining Safe Ride Home’s mission.

This donation-based service will operate through the festive season until 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

Green seemed happy to report that so far, their operations have been able to respond to every call received this season and plan to maintain that service level tonight.