MADD Canada launched its 2017 Red Ribbon Campaign Monday at the RNC Memorial Campus at Fort Townshend in St. John’s.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of MADD Canada’s iconic red ribbon, which symbolizes the innocent victims and survivors of impaired driving and the importance of always driving sober.
In partnering with MADD, RNC officers will wear red laces in their boots until Jan. 7 as a reminder to the public of the RNC’s commitment to making roads safer.
MADD Canada national president Patricia Hynes-Coates thanked volunteers who work hard to raise awareness, and the RCMP and RNC for their efforts in the fight against impaired driving.
“As we know, Project Red Ribbon is geared to bring awareness and help in the fight against impaired driving. And of course we can’t do that without our police officers, our first responders,” Hynes-Coates said.
“These are the people who make a difference for us. They are the ones on the roadways. They are the ones who have to go to a crash, see the carnage first-hand, live with this nightmare, and they have to go to our homes and tell us that our loved one is no longer here, or they are severely injured. This is something they carry with them.”
She also thanked the provincial government for bringing in stiffer penalties for impaired driving-related offences.
At the event there were a number of banners and photos in honour of impaired driving crash victims and survivors
For three decades, MADD Canada’s Project Red Ribbon campaign has raised awareness about the risks and consequences of impaired driving.
A news release notes that, “while great strides have been made over the years to reduce impaired driving, it continues to be a deadly problem on Canada’s roads. Continued awareness efforts are vital. Our Project Red Ribbon campaign helps keep the sober driving message top of mind during the busy holiday season.”
MADD Canada reminds the public to never drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver, and to always plan ahead if drinking or consuming drugs. The organization urges people to call a cab, arrange a designated driver, take public transit or stay the night if drinking, and call 911 if they see a driver they suspect is impaired.
