Just don’t do it.

That is the message from law enforcement in Ontario as they kick off the Festive RIDE campaign to crack down on impaired driving.

Ontario’s Solicitor General Michael Kerzner says driving impaired or under the influence of other illegal substances can cause tremendous ramifications for communities, families and loved ones.

“Don’t drink and drive. Don’t take illicit substances and drive. Make better choices,” says Kerzner.

“And to those who feel it’s okay to act in a way like that that I don’t find acceptable, and I’ve said this before, we have room for you in our jails. We will find you, and we will lock you up.”

The stepped-up enforcement promotes traffic enforcement and raises awareness about the many dangers associated with alcohol- and drug-impaired driving.

Police say driving while impaired continues to be the leading contributing factor in serious road collisions in Canada.

One in three roadway fatalities involves impaired driving.

A 2022 roadside survey found that one in five drivers tested positive for drugs, alcohol, or both.

OPP Deputy Commissioner Rohan Thompson says the public can help reduce those numbers.

“First and foremost, never let anyone get behind the wheel after you know that they have been consuming drugs or alcohol. There are many alternatives to driving a car, such as not driving or planning a ride if you know you’re going to be drinking or taking drugs,” says Thompson.

“Just as important, never let anyone in if you know that they have been drinking or suspected of taking drugs.”

Thompson says he would like to see the festive season pass without a single motorist behind impaired.

If you see or suspect an impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1 immediately.

All young drivers, novice drivers and commercial drivers are required by law to have zero presence of alcohol and/or drugs in their system while driving.