R. I. D. E. gets early start
By BOB BOUGHNER
THE DAILY NEWS
November 10, 2008

Two impaired drivers were nabbed in Chatham-Kent Saturday night within minutes of the launch of Project Red Ribbon.

Seven drivers were required to provide a roadside test and two were issued 12-hour suspensions during R. I. D. E. programs conducted by the Chatham- Kent Police Service.

Project Red Ribbon is a highly-visible, public awareness campaign promoting the message that impaired driving deaths and injuries are needless tragedies and are totally preventable.

The campaign runs through Jan. 5.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Chatham-Kent are again participating in the nation-wide campaign which distributes millions of red ribbons encouraging the public not to drink and drive.

"We believe our message is an important one,'' said Heather Bakker, co-president of MADD Chatham-Kent.

The organization officially launched the campaign Saturday night at the Chatham-Kent Police Service traffic unit on Dillon Side Road.

"It's sad that there are still motorists out there that drink and drive despite all the warnings,'' she said. "I'm just glad police were able to get two of them off the road on Saturday night.''

She said all money raised locally through Project Red Ribbon will be used to fund local educational programs.

Police arrested one of the two impaired drivers on Grand Avenue East.

Bakker said the red ribbon is a sign of respect for the thousands of Canadians who have lost their lives or who have been injured as a result of impaired driving.

"The red ribbon also reinforces the message to drive sober through the holidays and throughout the year,'' she said.

Bakker said more than four million red ribbons will be distributed over the next few months.

"We know that every day in Canada just under four deaths and just under 187 injuries are caused by impaired driving,'' Bakker said. "Thousands of Canadians are personally affected each year by impaired driving and MADD Canada provides support to the victims of this violent crime.''

Bakker said her organization is appreciative of the CKPS for making impaired driving a priority.

She said local police plan to conduct R. I. D. E. spot checks every weekend throughout November and December.

"We encourage the provincial government to continue the funding of this program as it proves that it can save lives,'' she said.

Bakker said MADD Canada is also advocating that local courts ensure adequate sentencing is being applied to impaired drivers, especially those causing death and injury.