Over the past few weeks Manitobans have heard of more young lives that have ended as a result of a suspected drunk driver. These lives are added to the more than 1,000 that are claimed every year, representing every age group, as a result of drinking and driving.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is in the midst of its 23rd annual Project Red Ribbon. The project asks that people tie a red MADD ribbon to the antenna of their car, their key chain or a backpack to remind people not to drink and drive over the holiday season, a particularly dangerous time for this crime.
There is no doubt that there have been positive advances against the crime of drinking and driving. The attitudes of the current generation of young people are different than those of previous generations. At one point many years ago it wasn’t uncommon for police officers who stopped a drunk driver to simply offer them a ride home. When I graduated from high school, the now common practice of Safe Grads was just beginning. Over the last two decades the message against drinking and driving has increased along with the penalties that go with the crime.
All of these initiatives have had a positive impact on how drinking and driving is viewed. But the statistics and the very real human tragedies show that there is still a long way to go. It is the nightmare of every parent to get a knock on the door late at night to be told by a police officer that their child has been killed in a motor vehicle collision. It’s the nightmare of every police officer to have to deliver that news.
When those deaths are caused by alcohol the tragedy is compounded because it is so completely preventable. Today, with increased awareness, safe ride programs, designated driver programs and a host of other initiatives, nobody should be getting that knock on the door to tell them their loved one is not coming home.
The MADD Red Ribbon campaign is a simple way to say that you remember those who have lost their lives as a result of drinking and driving and to remind and encourage others not to drink and drive.
Red Ribbons are available by dropping by my constituency office at the address noted at the bottom of this article. You can also phone or email my office and we will mail you a ribbon if that is more convenient for you. There are also ribbons available at the RCMP detachment in Steinbach.
The best holiday season is one where everyone makes it home safe to celebrate together. Tie a Red Ribbon on and please don’t drink and drive.
