Winter driving conditions are already rolling in, and the holiday season is fast approaching.
With this, MADD Canada is bringing back their 36th year of the Red Ribbon Campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired drivers on the roads.
This program runs every year from November 1st to mid-January to reinforce this message across the holiday season.
Tanya Hanson Pratt is the National President of MADD Canada, and she stresses the fact that driving while impaired is always a choice.
"We simply ask that people never drive impaired, and never get in a vehicle with an impaired driver. It's a really simple decision. There is no reason why someone can't plan ahead. you always know when events are coming up, so make a plan ahead of time."
Pratt notes that accidents always tend to spike in this season, which is why this campaign is running from the first of November through to January, and planning ahead can make all the difference in travel.
You can learn where to get a Red Ribbon at MADD.ca as a reminder to drive safely and as a tribute to the people affected by impaired drivers in the past.
Something that Pratt is very specific about is that impaired driving is never an accident.
"We never refer to them as accidents, because that would suggest there's no one to blame. When impaired driving is involved, then there is someone to blame. someone made a poor decision."
So whatever holiday you're looking to celebrate over the next few months, don't drink or take drugs and drive.
Plan ahead, stay the night, or don't get intoxicated, travelling safely is one of the best gifts you can give over the holiday season.
