New federal impaired driving law and sober messaging for Canada Day holiday weekend
If you see an impaired driver, call 911 urges MADD Canada

June 26, 2008 -- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada) is urging Canadians to make safe and sober travel plans for the holiday parties, family celebrations and cottage runs over this Canada Day Weekend.

MADD Canada is wishing for a fatality-free long weekend so the organization’s volunteers 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.

This Friday morning, MADD Canada will join with the federal Justice Minister Robert Nicholson and Toronto Police Service’s marine unit police at their headquarters at the John Quay to announce the fact that, on July 2, new federal laws will make it easier for police to apprehend and charge impaired drivers, in particular drug impaired drivers. 

"With new federal impaired driving laws coming into effect this weekend, we hope more Canadians will take care to separate their drinking occasions from their driving,” says Margaret Miller, MADD Canada's National President.

“The new federal laws will help make our roads a safer place and will save lives,” and, Mrs. Miller adds, “These laws apply to the safety of Canadians on roads and waterways.”

"Canadians need to be reminded that they should not drink or do drugs and then drive. Unfortunately, the summer season is the most dangerous time of the year for impaired driving fatalities, so MADD Canada is delivering our message in as many ways possible through the long weekend holidays,” say Mrs. Miller.

"Our hope is that we can all enjoy the long summer weekends on the roads and waterways without any needless death or injury as a result of impaired driving," says the MADD Canada president.

Throughout the summer months MADD Canada volunteers across the country attempt to heighten impaired driving awareness in communities and in cottage country. The volunteers promote a 'Call 911' campaign, and they 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.

MEDIA NOTE:  Margaret Miller will be present at the John Quay on the Toronto Harbourfront, Friday June 27 @ 11:00 a.m.  For more information, visit www.madd.ca or call:

Margaret Miller, MADD Canada’s National President
(902) 758-5328

Robert Solomon, MADD Canada’s Legal Director
(519) 661-3603

Also see...

A Backgrounder on Canada’s New Drug-Impaired Driving Legislation (PDF)

TOUGHER IMPAIRED DRIVING LAWS COMING INTO FORCE ON JULY 2nd