The Martensville Fire Department (MFD) is once again showing its commitment to community safety by supporting MADD Canada’s Project Red Ribbon, an annual campaign promoting sober driving throughout the holiday season. Now in its 38th year, the campaign encourages Canadians to display red ribbons as a visible reminder to never drive impaired.
The MFD has joined forces with several other supporters of the campaign, including Saskatoon Fire Department, Medavie Health Services West, Corman Police, Dalmeny Police, and the Saskatchewan RCMP, and will be showing their support by typing red ribbons to all the fire apparatus at the Martensville Fire Hall.
“Impaired driving is not accident. It’s a choice. We remind everyone to make the right choice today, this holiday season, and every day, to stop impaired driving,” the MFD stated.
Project Red Ribbon runs each year from November 1 to early January, coinciding with the holiday season, which sadly is a time when impaired driving incidents traditionally increase.
“The campaign raises awareness during the high-risk holiday season, reminding Canadians that impaired-driving deaths and injuries are preventable. The red ribbon encourages everyone to never drive impaired, plan safe transportation, and call 911 to report suspected impaired drivers,” Deputy Fire Chief James Taylor, explained.
Help support this campaign and if you are planning to consume alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs, plan a safe ride home using a taxi, Uber, designated driver, or public transport. Don’t drive impaired, or ride with an impaired driver, and report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911.
Despite extensive laws, penalties, and public awareness efforts, impaired driving continues to be a serious concern across the country. On average, nine impaired driving charges or license suspensions are laid every hour in Canada.
Ribbons, as well as a donation box are available at Martensville City Hall and donations can be made online at https://maddchapters.ca/saskatoon/ .
Learn more about this campaign at https://madd.ca/pages/programs/awareness-campaigns/project-red-ribbon/.
