MADD launches annual campaign
By Brandi Cramer
North Bay Nuggett
November 4, 2008

Debbie Allen is all too familiar with the effects of drinking and driving.

Three years ago, her brother was killed by a drunk driver.

“My brother has been gone for three and a half years but the pain doesn’t go away,” said Allen who recently moved to North Bay where she serves as pastor for the Salvation Army.

“For his children, they have no father and for the woman who caused the accident, she is in jail.”

Allen was on hand Monday to help the Nipissing Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving kick off its annual Red Ribbon campaign.

The chapter is working with area businesses and is asking area residents to tie on a MADD Canada red ribbon to their antenna, side mirror or other visible location on their vehicle .

The ribbon is a symbol of a person’s commitment to drive safe and sober during the holiday season and throughout the year.

“As the expression is ‘tis the season,’ and the season is about to begin again,” said Mayor Vic Fedeli, sporting a red tie in support of the event.

“We want to make sure everyone understands the implications and ramifications of drinking and driving and this campaign helps bring awareness.”

MADD statistics show almost four Canadians are killed and about 187 are injured daily as a result of drinking and driving. About 69,000 Canadians are affected by impaired driving annually.

“Eleven years ago I was hit by an impaired 15-year-old driver,” said Jackie McLeod, president of the local MADD chapter.

She had been travelling back from Sudbury with her husband and two boys at the end of March break.

“He was drinking with his friend and he hit us head on.”

McLeod was lucky no one in her family died. She suffered a broken ankle and to this day has not recovered full range of motion.

But it could have been worse.

“We all survived,” she said.

This year’s campaign also includes a plea to Canadians to report drunk driving if they see it.

“We would like to see Canadians get involved in the fight against impaired driving,” said Margaret Miller, MADD Canada’s national president, in a news release.

“Call 911 if you see a suspected impaired driver and report the incident to police.”