May 17, 2007

Don't drive impaired this holiday long weekend – and if you see an impaired driver, call 911 urges MADD Canada

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada) is urging Canadians to make travel plans for the holiday parties, family get togethers and cottage runs over this Victoria Day Weekend. MADD Canada would like to have a fatality-free long weekend so they are broadcasting this simple reminder:  Don't drive when you are impaired by alcohol or drugs. Don't get into a vehicle - car, boat or ATV - with a person who is impaired.

MADD Canada also is reminding Canadians that:  If you see an impaired driver on the road, trail or waterway, call 911 and report the incident to the police.

"The summer season is the most dangerous time of the year for impaired driving fatalities," says Karen Dunham, MADD Canada's National President. "Canadians need to be reminded that they should not drink or do drugs and then drive. MADD Canada is delivering this message in as many ways possible at peak times of the summer - like the long weekend holidays."

“We also want to ensure Canadians know that they can do something important about traffic safety by calling 911 when they see an impaired driver,” says Mr. Dunham.  On May 10th, MADD Canada launched a country-wide public awareness drive “Campaign 911” to urge Canadians to report suspected impaired drivers.

"Our hope is that we can all enjoy the long summer weekends without any needless death or injury as a result of impaired driving." Mrs. Dunham adds, "Simply don't drive impaired and don't let others drive impaired - and don't get in a passenger seat with someone who is impaired.

MADD Canada’s National President also suggests, “If you, a friend or loved one are impaired, call #TAXI, that’s #-8-2-9-4 on your cell phone, to easily get you connected to a taxi and home safe.”

"Our goal is to have this year's Victoria Day Long Weekend to be fatality-free and injury-free," says Mrs. Dunham.

Throughout the summer months MADD Canada volunteers across the country attempt to heighten impaired driving awareness in communities and in cottage country. The volunteers join police efforts at roadside and waterway checkstops to encourage sober and safe driving. They also distribute their anti-impaired driving messages in posters, ads and public service announcements. This summer MADD Canada and its lead campaign sponsor #TAXI (www.cellwand.com) will be circulating “Campaign 911” materials across the country.   

For more information, visit www.madd.ca or call:

Karen Dunham, MADD Canada’s National President
(506) 650-7473

Also see:

Campaign 911