Plan for a Safe Summer – Don’t Drink and Drive
MADD Canada provides five tips for a safe summer on the roads and waterways

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada) is urging Canadians to have a safe and sober Canada Day weekend on roads and waterways. The organization is providing the public with a five-point tip sheet to ensure holiday parties, family gatherings and cottage runs are free of a tragic alcohol- or drug-related crash this summer.

Karen Dunham, MADD Canada’s National President revealed today five tips to a safer holiday along with the organization’s call for a fatality-free holiday weekend in Canada. This weekend and throughout the summer, MADD Canada wants you to:

1.  Plan ahead. Be sure you know how you are getting home. Arrange your designated driver or your ride.
2.  Arrange for alternative transportation when drinking alcohol or taking drugs. You cannot plan for every social occasion, but you can always plan your taxi or lift if you intend on partaking at the gathering.
3.  Avoid drinking and driving when on the roads, off-road trails or waterways. Impaired driving tragedies occur on your ATV, with your boating fun, as well as on roadways. Always be sure the driver of whatever kind of vehicle it may be is sober.
4.  Talk your friends and family members from getting into a vehicle with an impaired driver. Be sure your loved ones are always safe from a potentially dangerous impaired driving situation.
5.  Be an example. Make a personal pledge to always drive sober. Be a good friend and always warn against impaired driving situations. Be a good host by providing alternatives to alcoholic drinks, your guests safe travel home, or a place to stay for those who have had too much.

The National President urges Canadians to make this Canada Day weekend fatality-free.  She comments, "Don't drive when you are impaired by alcohol or drugs. Don't get into a vehicle - car, boat or ATV - with a person who is impaired. Our hope at MADD Canada is that this long weekend will be enjoyed throughout our country without any needless death or injury as a result of impaired driving."

Mrs. Dunham adds, "On this Canada Day holiday weekend, we hope everybody enjoys themselves, and takes to heart our tips for safe and sober travel on the roads and waterways."

Throughout the summer months MADD Canada volunteers across the country attempt to heighten impaired driving awareness in communities and in cottage country. The volunteers promote a 'Call 911' campaign, distribute public service announcements, and join police efforts at roadside and waterway checkstops to encourage sober and safe driving.  To learn more about MADD Canada’s public awareness efforts this summer, visit www.madd.ca

For more information, or to arrange an interview, call:

Karen Dunham, MADD Canada’s National President
(506) 650-7473

Andrew Murie, MADD Canada’s CEO
1-8000-665-6233, ext. 224

Also see:

Five point tip sheet to a safe and sober summer on Canada's roads and waterways (PDF)