Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), in conjunction with Powell River RCMP’s CounterAttack program, are launching this year’s Project Red Ribbon campaign to create awareness around people driving motor vehicles while impaired.
Corinne Williams, organizer for the qathet region MADD red ribbon campaign, told the Peak that the ribbons represent the thousands who are killed or injured throughout the year by impaired drivers. She said red ribbons and window clinger ribbons, along with donation boxes, are available at the Co-operators, 32 Lakes Café and Bakery, and River City Coffee Roasters.
“We have some local businesses that are partnering with MADD and the RCMP to promote driving while sober during the holiday season,” said Williams. “River City Coffee has given the RCMP detachment free coffee or tea coupons to pass out at holiday checkpoints for people who pass through sober, such as designated drivers. We’re trying to bring some awareness toward the red ribbon campaign and how it works.”
Williams said the red ribbon campaign has been a long-standing program for MADD. The holiday season is the busiest time on most social calendars and the risk for impaired driving is high, she added. Wearing a red ribbon, or having one on a vehicle, is showing commitment to never driving impaired, and to keep the sober driving message out for people to see.
Williams said those wanting to learn more about the red ribbon campaign can go to MADD Canada, at madd.ca. People wishing to make donations to the campaign can do so at the website.
Williams said her interest in MADD goes back to 2021, when the face of the campaign was a woman from Williams’ hometown of Rocky Mountain House in Alberta.
“She was a teacher and she tragically lost her life to someone who was drinking and driving during the holiday season,” said Williams. “Being able to show support for the family back home is super important to me. I have a personal investment in the campaign. She was a big part of the community and her death affected the community. It’s good to keep her memory going and to be able to do something.”
According to information from Powell River RCMP, any amount of alcohol or drugs can affect judgment, reaction time and coordination.
“If you drink, don’t drive, and plan ahead to get home safely by assigning a designated driver or arranging for a safe ride if your holiday festivities include alcohol or drugs,” stated media relations officer constable Paula Perry, in a media release.
She added that Powell River Taxi will operate seven days a week until midnight in December and can be reached at 604.483.3666.
“Extra police officers will be out on the road looking for impaired drivers and removing them from our roadways,” added Perry. “Sober designated drivers will be recognized with gift bags donated by MADD or coupons for a complimentary coffee or tea donated by River City Coffee and McDonalds.”
According to the MADD website, from November 1 to January 6, MADD Canada and its chapters across the country will be distributing thousands of red ribbons and car decals for Canadians to display on their vehicles, key chains, purses, briefcases and backpacks.
“Despite federal and provincial/territorial laws and penalties, police enforcement and awareness efforts, and despite the obvious risk of crash, death and injury, Canadians are still getting behind the wheel impaired,” according to MADD. “Every hour in Canada, an average of nine federal criminal charges and provincial short-term licence suspensions are laid for alcohol or drug-impaired driving.”
With Project Red Ribbon, MADD Canada and its volunteers across the country are urging everyone to make safe and responsible choices: This includes never driving impaired or riding with an impaired driver. People are advised to plan ahead if they are going to be drinking or consuming cannabis or other drugs. Options include calling a cab, arranging a designated driver, taking public transit, or staying the night.
People are also urged to call 911 if they see a driver they suspect is impaired.
“Working together, we can prevent the tragic deaths and devastating injuries caused by impaired driving,” the website stated.
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