RCMP Commissioner appeals to public for sober driving

MADD News Release

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RCMP Commissioner William Elliott headlined the launch ceremony of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada)'s national Project Red Ribbon campaign, a public awareness effort for sober driving through the holiday season. In a ceremony on Parliament Hill today, Commissioner Elliott joined with both national and local MADD Canada volunteers as well as representatives from area police forces urging Canadians to not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Margaret Miller, National President of MADD Canada called on all Canadians to ensure the upcoming holidays are fatality-free and without impaired driving incidents, "We hope this holiday season is without an impaired driving death or injury and we call on all Canadians to do their part so that the holidays are times of joy and not sorrow. We can all make the commitment to drive sober. We can all call 911 if we see a suspected impaired driver. These two actions will make our roads safer and they have the potential to significantly reduce impaired driving deaths and injuries."

Mrs. Miller praised police forces for their commitment to keeping roads safe. "It is great to have RCMP Commissioner Elliott launch the national campaign today -- our organization has close relationships with police forces across the country. The men and women of the RCMP and local police forces are doing an admirable job in patrolling our roads and apprehending impaired drivers. They've proven to be a constant in the fight against this violent crime. Over holiday weekends and during holiday seasons their heightened presence in the media, on the roads and streets sends a very important message that impaired driving is not to be tolerated."

"That is the significant point of awareness drives like Project Red Ribbon," adds Mrs. Miller, "they reinforce the notion that it is unacceptable to drink or take drugs and drive. Impaired driving is a serious crime that could result in tragic consequences. It's not to be tolerated."

The MADD Canada ribbon has become a familiar symbol of safe and sober driving throughout Canada - and this annual campaign is one of the most visible public awareness drives against impaired driving during the Christmas and New Year's holiday season.

There are more than four million red ribbons distributed across the country by MADD Canada volunteers and the organization's sponsors to deliver the sober driving message during the busiest social time of the calendar.

Canadians are asked to display a red ribbon on their vehicle or their car keys, purse, backpack or other personal item. Mrs. Miller explains, "By displaying the MADD Canada red ribbon, you make a personal commitment to drive sober. The red ribbon is a tribute to honour those who have been killed or injured in impaired driving crashes. It serves as a constant message to people on the roads to drive safe and sober."

The Red Ribbon and Leadership in the Fight Against Impaired Driving MADD Canada's Project Red Ribbon campaign is supported by community partners such as local law enforcement and emergency medical service organizations as well as national, provincial, regional and local corporations.

Sponsorship for the campaign has grown over the decades. Allstate Insurance Company of Canada continues to demonstrate its leadership as the national campaign's Title Sponsor. #TAXI and Suzuki Canada Auto Dealers Foundation are the campaign's Official Sponsors. Corporate /Provincial sponsors include the Alberta Motor Association and Coyle Corrugated Containers Inc. For a full list of Project Red Ribbon corporate sponsors and red ribbon distributors, visit the MADD Canada website.

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