December is supposed to be a month of merry-making and cheer, but far too often it can be ruined when someone decides to drink and drive.
In an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, MADD Canada is once again asking Canadians to support its Project Red Ribbon campaign this holiday season.
鈥淩ight now in Canada four people are killed and 175 people are injured everyday,鈥� said Jason Hills, Edmonton president for MADD Canada.聽
鈥淲e want people know just how dangerous it is and how one bad decision can change your life and someone else鈥檚 life in a blink of an eye.鈥�
The red ribbon serves as a poignant tribute to the hundreds of victims killed and thousands of victims injured every year in impairment-related crashes. The campaign started on Nov. 1 and will carry through to the end of December.
鈥淲e encourage people to pick up a ribbon and tie it onto their vehicle or their purse or their backpack鈥揳nything鈥搄ust to show awareness and show support about the dangers of impaired driving,鈥� said Hills.聽
In addition to drinking and driving, he said MADD is also concerned about the number of people who are impaired by drugs when they are behind the wheel.
鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely concerning and it鈥檚 something that MADD is going to take very seriously,鈥� said Hills, adding MADD Canada is working with the federal government to ensure legislation to legalize marijuana includes strict laws for drivers.聽
While the number of people killed or injured every year due to impaired driving is staggering, the financial and social costs are just as shocking.
According to MADD Canada, in 2010 there were a total of 181,911 crashes that involved impaired drivers, which cost an estimated $20.62 billion. These costs factor in fatalities, injuries, property damage, traffic delays, out-of-pocket expenses, hospital/health costs and police, fire and ambulance costs.
鈥淒rinking and driving isn鈥檛 an accident. It鈥檚 100-per-cent preventable and that鈥檚 the sad part,鈥� said Hills. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e choosing to get behind the wheel impaired and that鈥檚 a choice, not an accident.鈥�
For more information or to pick up a red ribbons visit MADD.
Paul Clarke [email protected]
