cp24.com

The province is doubling its budget for the annual holiday RIDE program in an effort to keep even more drunk drivers off Ontario streets this winter.

Provincial Community Safety minister Rick Bartolucci made the announcement Tuesday at the launch of the annual Red Ribbon campaign, organized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

The Ontario Provincial Police RIDE programs, or roadside police stops, involve screening drivers for alcohol consumption and are often set up at high-traffic areas throughout November and December.

The MADD ribbon campaign aims to bring awareness to the issue of increased drunk driving over the holidays.

The campaign sees the distribution of red ribbons that can often be seen streaming from vehicle antennas during the holiday season.