MADD Kicks Off Red Ribbon Campaign
CityNews.ca Staff
Tuesday November 4, 2008

Christmas - and the holiday party season - is over a month away, but the campaign to stop drunk driving kicked off Tuesday.

Toronto Police and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) want drivers to tie a red ribbon on their car antenna or keychain - or even on a personal item like their purse, briefcase or backpack - as a reminder to drive safe and sober this holiday season.

Organizers tied red ribbons on a police cruiser during the kick-off at police headquarters. And on display were pictures of people killed by drunk drivers. Officials hope the campaign will encourage people to be responsible and safe this holiday season.

Impaired driving is still the number one criminal cause of death in Canada. But at least some drivers seem to be getting the message. Since 1988, alcohol-related fatalities on Ontario roads have dropped by 60 per cent.

Putting an end to drunk driving has special meaning for Toronto Police. They made a donation to MADD Canada in honour of Constable Randy Tallon, recently killed by a drunk driver in Georgia.

Here are some tips, courtesy of MADD Canada, on how you can play a vital role by reporting suspected drunk drivers:

• Call 911
• State your location
• Describe the vehicle - include licence plate number, colour, make and model, and direction of travel
• Give a description of the driver

The campaign happens each year across the country, from the beginning of November to the first Monday after January 1st.