Plan Ahead, Don’t Drive Impaired, and Report Suspected Offenders to 911
THUNDER BAY – NEWS — Every week, NetNewsLedger report on police reports from the OPP and Thunder Bay Police Service on charges laid for impaired driving. The costs in lives, reputation, and people’s pocketbooks of this easily preventable crime is massive.
As Canadians prepare to celebrate the Labour Day long weekend, MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is reminding everyone to put safety first by making sober driving choices.
While great progress has been made in raising awareness, impaired driving continues to take a devastating toll: hundreds of Canadians are killed and thousands injured each year due to crashes caused by alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs. Long weekends, with their mix of travel, gatherings, and celebrations, often carry an increased risk on roads, waterways, and trails.
“Labour Day marks the unofficial end of summer—a time when people are soaking up the last days of the season,” said Tanya Hansen Pratt, National President of MADD Canada, whose mother, Beryl, was killed by an impaired driver in 1999. “No one expects it to end in tragedy. Protect your life and the lives of others. Please drive sober.”
Safety Reminders for the Weekend
MADD Canada urges Canadians to take simple but vital steps to ensure everyone gets home safely:
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Always plan ahead for a sober ride.
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Never drive impaired — whether it’s a car, boat, ATV, or any motorized vehicle.
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Never ride with an impaired driver.
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Call 911 if you suspect someone is driving impaired.
For those looking for safe and reliable rides, Uber, MADD Canada’s Official Designated Rideshare App, is available at www.uber.com/ca/en/.
About MADD Canada
MADD Canada is a national charitable organization dedicated to ending impaired driving and supporting victims and their families. With volunteer-led chapters in nearly 100 communities across Canada, MADD offers victim support services, educational campaigns, and community initiatives designed to prevent impaired driving and save lives.
More information is available at www.madd.ca.
