Project Red Ribbon; promoting sober driving during the festive season

BY TVISHA MISTRY

More than 1,250 people die each year as a result of impaired driving in Canada. In Toronto alone, one-fourth of fatal car accidents are caused due to alcohol consumption. Mothers Against Drunk Driving better known as MADD Canada launched their annual campaign Project Red Ribbon in the month of November to raise awareness about the risks of impaired driving and to honor the victims and survivors of such crashes.

MADD Canada is a Canadian charitable-volunteer-driven organization established in the year 1989. The organization is run by passionate volunteers dedicated to raise public awareness on the risks of impaired driving and to support those who are life-long victims; facing the consequences of someone else’s poor judgment.

The Red Ribbon initiative asks drivers to proudly display their red ribbons or red ribbon car decals on their vehicles as a symbol of their commitment and support to sober driving and the victims that are affected by it. The ribbon serves as a powerful tribute to the numerous victims injured and killed each year in crashes associated with alcohol and drugs.

Running from November 2nd, 2020 until January 4th, 2021, Project Red Ribbon will promote sober driving during the festive season. Although parties and celebrations may be limited this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the holiday season is still a time of high risk for impaired driving.

If you are celebrating this holiday season, make a sober ride home your priority. It is urged that individuals: call cabs, have a designated driver, or make alternative arrangements to reach home safely. Those looking for a safe, sober, and reliable ride home at the push of a button can check out Uber- MADD Canada’s Official Designated Driving App.

“While the usual holiday gatherings and celebrations may be different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic the risk for impaired driving remains,” said MADD Canada National President Jaymie-Lyne Hancock. “Our red ribbons serve as a reminder to everyone that if you are going to be consuming alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs, plan ahead for a sober ride home. Driving impaired is just never worth the risk.”

The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness shared a message of support for today’s Project Red Ribbon launch. “The dangers and consequences associated with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be fatal. Today, we stand together to remember and honor the victims and survivors of impaired driving. Every Canadian driver is responsible for doing their part in keeping our roads safe. If you choose to consume alcohol or cannabis over the holiday season, stay home, and stay safe. It could save a life.”

Project Red Ribbon will be done remotely this year as a result of the current global pandemic, COVIID-19, and in-person events and activities will be limited. Where health and safety guidelines allow, MADD Canada volunteers will be out in the community distributing red ribbons, participating in check stops, and other events. Communities that prohibit such activities due to health and safety guidelines will have ribbons distributed by participative retailers and post. The campaign will also provide numerous activities on social media to share and enforce their message on sober driving.

You can get involved in the initiative by getting your red ribbon or red ribbon car decal through the MADD Canada website at www.madd.ca, or by contacting the organization at 1-800-665-6233 or info@madd.ca. You can also donate online through the MADD Canada website, by calling 1-800-665-6233 or by texting “RIBBON” to 45678 to donate $10.