First responders are teaming up with a national organization once again this year to help prevent impaired driving over the holiday season.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving, better known as MADD, has launched its annual Red Ribbon Campaign, reminding Canadians about the importance of always driving sober or planning ahead to find a safe way home if alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs have been consumed.
Hundreds of Canadians are killed and thousands are injured every year in impaired driving crashes. That includes the mother of MADD’s new national president. Tanya Hansen Pratt’s mother, Beryl Hansen, was struck and killed by an impaired driver while out for her usual early morning walk.
“The deaths and injuries caused by impaired driving are entirely preventable. My Mom’s death was entirely preventable,” Hansen Pratt said in a news release. “MADD Canada holds this campaign every year to engage people in this effort to prevent impaired driving and the tragic deaths and injuries that result.”
Project Red Ribbon runs through January 8, 2024, with MADD Canada volunteers in communities across Canada distributing thousands of red ribbons and red ribbon car decals to the public to display as a symbol of their commitment to always drive sober.
