OTTAWA — Drunk driving during the holidays is at its highest in eight years, say Ontario Provincial Police.
OPP officers charged 693 people with having a blood alcohol concentration level over .08.

In addition, 625 “warn range” suspensions were issued to motorists caught driving with between .05 and .08.

“We had hoped to see these numbers decrease significantly during this year’s campaign, in light of how much harder we have worked to educate the public about the dangers of drinking and driving,” OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis said.

The Festive R.I.D.E. campaign ran from Nov. 24 until Wednesday.

Motorists who blow over .08, or who decline a breathalyzer, immediately have their vehicles impounded for seven days.

Drivers in the “warn range” lose their licence at roadside for three, seven, or 30 days.

Last year, 682 motorists were charged with impaired driving while 583 were issued “warn range” suspensions.