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The Festive Ride Campaign: Promoting Safe Driving During the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, the Festive Ride campaign is returning to promote traffic enforcement and raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. This initiative serves as a vital reminder that any form of impairment can significantly affect an individual’s ability to drive safely, jeopardizing not only their lives but also the safety of others on the road.

Impairments can stem from various sources, including alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, illicit drugs, or even extreme fatigue due to sleep deprivation. As noted by safety experts, “impairments are going to affect your driving,” highlighting the multifaceted nature of what constitutes impaired driving. Each of these factors can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and reduce overall driving skills, creating a higher risk for accidents.

Impaired driving caused by drugs or alcohol remains a leading cause of serious road accidents in Canada. Statistics underscore the alarming reality that thousands of injuries and fatalities result from impaired driving incidents each year. The Festive Ride campaign aims to combat this issue by reinforcing the message that responsible driving is crucial during the holidays, a time when celebrations often accompany increased alcohol consumption and social gatherings.

Throughout the campaign, law enforcement will conduct targeted traffic enforcement to deter impaired driving behaviors and promote safe roads. Community outreach initiatives will engage the public, educating them on the risks associated with driving under the influence and encouraging individuals to make safe choices—whether that means designating a sober driver, using public transportation, or opting for rideshare services when needed.

This holiday season, as we gather with friends and family to celebrate, it is essential to remember that safety should be our top priority. The Festive Ride campaign empowers individuals to take responsibility for their actions and reminds everyone that impaired driving is not only illegal but also poses a significant danger to the community.

By promoting awareness and enforcing laws, the Festive Ride campaign endeavors to reduce impaired driving incidents and keep our roads safe. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that everyone arrives home safely this holiday season. Let’s commit to making smart and responsible choices—to celebrate responsibly, and keep ourselves and our loved ones safe on the roads.

Our Leadership

Going forward in 2024, our new Co-Chairs are Town of Puslinch Counsillor, Sara Bailey, who has been voted in for a 2 year term and Angelle Eybel, the Chair of the Safe Communities Committee in the Town of Minto, who has 1 year left in her term. Our executive includes representatives from Guelph Wellington Paramedic Services, Wendy Bieman, Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health, Alexandra Fournier, Wellington County Counsillor, Earl Campbell, Wellington County OPP, Inspector, Stephen Thomas,  Wellington Health Care Alliance, Kate Kobbes & Gianni Accetolla

Our History

Back in 2012, a number of passionate organizations and individuals made it their goal to designate Wellington County as a Safe Community.  Counsillor Gary Williamson, and Staff Sergeant, Jack Hunjan led the charge, becoming the first Co-Chairs for Safe Communities Wellington County.  Wellington County was designated by Parachute Canada on June 2013 in the Township of Wellington North.  Over the last few years the priorities have remained constant with Motor Vehicle Collisions On/Off Road, Falls Prevention and Intentional Self Harm as our top three.  Our action groups have been busy helping prevent injuries across Wellington County, collaborating with different stakeholders to make more of an impact on safety across The County.  Safe Communities Day, Falls Prevention Month, Safe Kids Week, National Teen Driver Safety Week and local events that Safe Communities runs and participates in, have already helped us reach upwards of 5000 people over the last ten years.

Press Releases

Safe Communities Wellington County participates in a variety of Events & Campaigns throughout the year.  Our News and Events Page captures all of our media information that you can find here.

Safe Communities Designation

In 2023, Wellington County celebrated its 10th year as a designated Safe Community.  Throughout the ten years, Safe Communities was able to run injury prevention events and campaigns that helped educate residents of Wellington County.  In 2021, Safe Communities Wellington County partnered with injury prevention stakeholders to complete the Community Safety & Well-Being Plan for Wellington County.  Safe Communities was fortunate to have the framework required to meet the requirements that was handed down by the solicitor General.  Our injury priority areas still revolve around Falls, Motor Vehicle Collisions On/Off Road, Intentional Self Harm, Accidental Poisonings, Pedestrians and Cyclists, Sports and Recreation, and Agricultural, Machinery and Tools.  We are fortunate to have four action groups that focus on Falls, Motor Vehicle Collisions, Mental Wellness and Accidental Poisonings.  We are looking forward to expanding out stakeholder reach to have a more wholistic leadership table in injury prevention.