The Toronto Transit system is stepping up to the plate this New Year’s eve and offering free rides from midnight to 4:00 AM. In spite of the cost - $80,000 – it is well worth it if it will save lives. Drinking and driving is a horrible problem in our society at the best of times, but on New Year’s Eve it is rampant. The TTC is looking for a corporate sponsor to help offset the cost. MADD Canada and the Toronto police are very supportive of the program.

The Ontario Provincial Police five-week holiday season RIDE program is now in effect and the 6 motorists were charged with impaired driving in the first 5 days. In addition, other police forces in the GTA, including the Ontario Provincial Police, are also conducting spot-checks throughout the holiday season. Unfortunately the recent snow storm has affected the number of spot checks in the city of Toronto as they are not set up as frequently in bad weather as the resources are needed elsewhere. Last year officers stopped almost 815,000 vehicles and charged 339 people with alcohol-related offences. They also issued 802 12-hour license suspensions and 365 suspensions lasting 90 days. Ontario has some of the toughest anti-drinking-and-driving laws in North America.

In 2007, 74 people died tragically and needlessly in alcohol-related accidents, which represent a 25% increase from last year. A study by the Traffic Inquiry Research Foundation says Canadians who drive over the legal limit climbed to just over 8%, up from about 5.5% in 2004. The RIDE program will continue through January 2, 2008. Impaired driving is the leading cause of criminal death in Canada. Have fun this New Year’s Eve but DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!