In the News

Dead boys' kin team with RIDE
By Erica Bajer
London Free Press
March 12, 2010

CHATHAM - The families of Mason Berube and Devon Tinus are teaming up with police and Mothers Against Drunk Driving to send a message against drunk driving.

They'll be taking part in RIDE checks March 19 in memory of the two local boys, who were killed by an impaired driver last March.

The Chatham-Kent police and Chatham-Kent OPP are working together for the RIDE checks, which will run between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. at various locations in the municipality.

"It's to raise awareness that drinking and driving is not OK," said Janine Carr, co-president of the Chatham-Kent chapter of MADD.

Mason, 13, and Devon, 12, were killed March 13, 2009, when Andrew Kummer's truck plowed into the vehicle they were in on Longwoods Road near Lambeth. They were headed home from a hockey game in London.

Mason's father was seriously injured in the crash, and Kummer's friend and passenger, David Marshall, 26, was also killed.

Kummer has pleaded guilty to 10 charges, including three counts of impaired driving causing death. He is awaiting sentencing.

Carr said sentences in Ontario aren't strict enough for impaired driving causing death.

"Our court systems have to change," she said, adding the punishment needs to fit the crime.

Until it does, the best defence against drunk driving is getting the message out.

"It's a preventable crime," she said. "It's a choice you make."

MADD will be handing out information during the RIDE checks.

She said the anti-drinking and driving message is more effective when it's delivered by people affected by tragedies.

She noted family members of the "pie ladies" -- four elderly women, killed in Chatham on Nov. 24, 2007 by drunk driver Wladyslaw Bilski -- took part in RIDE checks on the anniversary last year.

Bilski is serving four years in jail for the deaths of Marion Dawson, Jean Ripley, Verna Neaves and Bernice Phillips.