Eight people were charged with drunk driving offenses during the first week of the Festive Ride program in Durham.

More than 1,300 vehicles were stopped at checkpoints in Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, and Courtice starting Wednesday (Nov. 15) and 84 roadside breath tests were administered.

In addition to those arrested for drinking and driving, 14 people received three-day suspensions and seven G1 and G2 license-holders were found to have breached the no-alcohol provision.

Twelve other charges were laid under the criminal code, along with two drug offenses, and 65 other charges were laid under the Highway Traffic Act.

The eight people charged for drunk driving is a decrease from the 10 people charged during the RIDE campaign’s first week last year.

At the campaign launch event last week, DRPS Chief Paul Martin encouraged members of the public to plan ahead and arrange for alternate transportation if they are planning on drinking alcohol.

“Our message is simple, plan ahead this holiday season and do not put yourself in a position of great risk,” he said.

“Do not let the odds get you, do the responsible thing and get a cab, call a friend or utilize a designated driving service.”

The campaign runs through the new year and results will be released each Monday.