Thunder Bay – NEWS – It may seem like common sense, but the growing number of impaired driving charges laid by Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) suggests the message isn’t being heard loudly enough: Don’t drive impaired.
As families and friends across Northwestern Ontario prepare for the Easter long weekend, MADD Canada is calling on everyone to make safe, sober choices to help prevent crashes, injuries, and deaths on local roads.
Thunder Bay’s Impaired Driving Numbers Spark Concern Ahead of Long Weekend
Recent enforcement reports show impaired driving remains a serious issue in Thunder Bay and the surrounding region. Local police continue to stop individuals under the influence of alcohol and drugs, despite public education efforts and tragic local consequences. These numbers are especially concerning during high-risk periods like the Easter holiday, which tends to bring increased travel, family gatherings—and unfortunately, impaired drivers.
MADD Canada Appeals to Drivers: Plan Ahead, Drive Sober
“We all have a role to play in preventing impaired driving,” said Tanya Hansen Pratt, MADD Canada’s National President, who tragically lost her mother to an impaired driver in 1999. “Whether you’re hosting, attending a gathering, or simply driving this weekend, your decisions can make a life-saving difference.”
Each year, hundreds of Canadians are killed and thousands are injured in crashes involving alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs. What should be joyful long weekends are too often marked by tragedy.
MADD Canada urges residents to follow these four simple but vital safety steps:
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Always plan ahead so you have a sober ride home;
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Never drive any vehicle—car, ATV, snowmobile, or boat—while impaired;
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Never ride with an impaired driver;
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Call 911 to report suspected impaired drivers.
Community Role Vital in Preventing Tragedies on Local Roads
For many Thunder Bay families who have lost loved ones or seen lives changed by impaired driving, the Easter weekend can be a painful reminder of what’s been taken away. MADD Canada continues to support victims while advocating for change.
Local leadership from both law enforcement and grassroots organizations is essential. By speaking up, reporting unsafe drivers, and promoting safe habits, residents can help protect each other.
Uber Highlighted as Partner in Safe Ride Options
To help make responsible choices easier, MADD Canada has partnered with Uber, naming it the official designated rideshare app. With just a few taps, residents can arrange a sober and reliable ride home—an easy and potentially life-saving decision. Learn more at uber.com.
U-Ride, a locally owned and operated company, gives Thunder Bay residents a trusted, community-based alternative for getting home safely.
Whether you’re in the city or on the outskirts, both U-Ride and Uber provide affordable and accessible options to avoid impaired driving. Learn more about U-Ride at www.uride.co or download the app on your mobile device.
About MADD Canada
MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a national, volunteer-driven organization committed to ending impaired driving and supporting its victims. With chapters in nearly 100 communities across the country, including Ontario, MADD works to raise awareness, provide victim support, and advocate for stronger laws and safer roads.
This Easter weekend, Thunder Bay has a choice: continue seeing impaired charges rise—or step up and drive change. Let’s commit to making our roads safer, one decision at a time.
