Highway 11 RIDE check nets 3 distracted drivers

Ontario Provincial Police issued three charges under the Highway Traffic Act for cellphone use while driving on during a RIDE program operated on Highway 11 on April 18, 2026. (Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

A reduce impaired driving everywhere (RIDE) checkpoint on Highway 11 in Kapuskasing earlier this month resulted in no alcohol-related offences but led to three charges for handheld device use.

Ontario Provincial Police said the enforcement initiative took place on April 18 and focused on mandatory alcohol screening for commercial motor vehicles.

High volume of vehicles checked

During the operation, OPP officers completed 91 mandatory alcohol screenings on commercial motor vehicles. Police said that in total, about 300 vehicles were checked.

“No alcohol-related offences were detected during the initiative, demonstrating a high level of compliance among drivers,” the OPP said in a release Monday.

Three cellphone-related charges

Although no impaired driving offences were identified, police laid three charges under the Highway Traffic Act. All three related to the use of handheld communication devices while driving.

Police remind drivers to stay focused

Provincial police used the results to highlight the importance of paying attention to the road while driving.

“OPP remains committed to proactive traffic enforcement initiatives aimed at improving road safety and reducing collisions on Ontario highways,” said police.

In a related social media post, OPP Const. Mercedes Lalonde underscored the importance of attentive driving.

“Stay alert, follow traffic laws (and) drive distraction-free,” Lalonde wrote.

Police also reminded drivers to remain attentive, comply with traffic laws and ensure their full attention remains on the safe operation of their vehicle.