Windsor RIDE check July 12. July 13, 2019. (Photo courtesy of WPS)Windsor RIDE check July 12. July 13, 2019. (Photo courtesy of WPS)
Windsor

Difficult drunk driving dilemma

Windsor police seem to be happy with the way their Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) programs are going.

However, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has a different opinion.

The latest Windsor RIDE check Friday night at two locations had zero arrests for impaired driving. Police said officers stopped and inspected 619 vehicles and issued 10 three-day licence suspensions and nine traffic tickets.

"Great job... but we can do better," Sergeant Steve Betteridge said.

MADD said 10 three-day suspensions is "quite concerning as these individuals are still driving with a level of impairment that affects your driving."

Betteridge agreed.

A motorcycle rider did attempt to flee a RIDE program set up on Wyandotte Street near St. Luke Road on June 15. Jackie Burkoski, 47, of Windsor, is charged with possession of suspected methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, resisting arrest, and prohibited driving.

The previous RIDE stop on May 31 at two other locations within Windsor only netted one impaired driving arrest out of 588 vehicles checked.

Then on May 17 during the Victoria Day holiday long weekend at two different spots, again nobody was charged for impaired driving.

Police remind drivers they continue efforts to help keep roads safe.

"Impaired driving is a serious criminal offence," said police. "If you see a suspected impaired driver, call 911."

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