In the News

Drunk changed their lives 'forever'
The Toronto Sun
By Tom Godfrey
November 4, 2009

Toronto mom Joyce Westlake's world came to a screeching crash 14 years ago when her son, Andrew, was hit and killed by a drunk driver in St. Catharines.

"Our lives changed forever on that day," Westlake said yesterday at the launch of Project Red Ribbon Campaign to stop drinking and driving. "He was hit by a drunk driver as he was crossing the street to get a taxi."

Westlake said the driver, who also killed a female student and injured 11 others, was sentenced to two years less a day in jail.

She said Andrew, 19, a champion kayaker, was about to start studies at Brock University when killed in September 1995.

"He was a gorgeous young man," she said. "It has been hard on his brother and us as a family."

She was among officials and police brass at Toronto Police headquarters yesterday for the launch of the 21st annual campaign.

Chief Bill Blair said one of Toronto's most horrific car crashes happened last month when three family members were killed by a suspected drunk driver.

"It was one of the most devastating crashes we have had in recent history," Blair said of the Oct. 17 crash on Finch Ave. W., near Tobermory Dr. "Our emergency responders were deeply affected by that crash."

Blair said his heart goes out to the grieving family whose van was split in half when hit.

"None for the road is the right amount for the road," he said. "It is unfortunate that this campaign is still necessary."

EMS Chief Bruce Farr said about a third of those transported to city trauma centres suffer from alcohol-related injuries.

"Don't let your last ride for the holiday be in the back of an ambulance," Farr said. "Don't forget the loved ones who have to carry on with their lives."

Carolyn Swinson, a past president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, said that, despite awareness campaigns, some people still drive after drinking.

OPP Staff Sgt. Rohan Thompson said 17,000 motorists were convicted of Criminal Code offences in 2006 -- a majority of those cases involved alcohol.

Also see...

The MADD Canada Project Red Ribbon campaign