In the News

Red ribbons offer reminder
Nanaimo Bulletin
November 12, 2009

Canadian drivers are encouraged to tie one on this holiday season – a red ribbon, that is.

Millions of ribbons will be distributed across Canada to encourage sober driving throughout the holiday season.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada’s red ribbon serves as a symbol of safe and sober driving and as a tribute to those who have been killed or injured in impaired driving crashes. The annual awareness campaign runs throughout the Christmas and New Year holiday season.

“Tying a red ribbon to your vehicle is a commitment to safe and responsible driving,” said Margaret Miller, MADD Canada’s national president.

“At this time of year, when holiday parties and social gatherings are so plentiful, impaired driving is a significant concern. We all need to do our part to keep our roads safe. Do not drive impaired, do not ride with a driver who is impaired and call 911 if you suspect an impaired driver.”

As MADD Canada’s longest running program, Project Red Ribbon has successfully raised awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and has helped to change dangerous behaviours. Impaired driving crashes continue to be a serious and persistent problem, claiming approximately 1,460 lives per year.

Over the next eight weeks, MADD Canada Chapters and Community leaders across the country will distribute red ribbons, posters and bookmarks in their local communities to spread the message about driving sober this holiday season. The 2009 Project Red Ribbon campaign features Mrs. Miller’s son, Bruce, a Nova Scotia Police Officer who was killed in an impaired driving crash in 2004.

“That is why MADD Canada, its Chapters and Community Leaders are out here each year, handing out red ribbons and raising awareness,” Mrs. Miller said. “We do not want anyone else to lose a loved one or face serious injury as a result of impaired driving.