MADD Saskatoon encourages sober driving with Red Ribbon Campaign

The approaching holiday season means there will be plenty of opportunities to celebrate, but MADD Saskatoon is reminding people that revelry is never an excuse to drive impaired.

The organization launched its annual Red Ribbon campaign with an event on Tuesday at Fire Station #6 on Taylor Street in Saskatoon.

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“Wearing the red ribbon is a symbol of a person’s commitment to always drive sober,” the organization said in a statement.

“It is also a tribute to all Canadians who are killed and injured in crashes involving alcohol, cannabis and/or other drugs.”

This year’s national campaign “shows respect for Suparna and Suranjan Das. Two innocent lives taken by a driver who had been drinking,” MADD Saskatoon explained. The Vancouver couple was killed in a head-on collision in Vernon, B.C., on Aug. 5, 2022.

“Suparna and Suranjan Das should still be here with their family. Their memory reminds us every decision we make behind the wheel can help protect another family from this heartbreak,” the MADD website reads.

“Impaired driving is 100 per cent preventable. Impaired driving is not an ‘accident’ — someone makes the decision to get behind (the) wheel impaired.”

The focus of the 39th annual campaign is to encourage drivers to display a red ribbon or a red ribbon decal on their vehicles, or elsewhere, “as a reminder that it is never okay to drive drunk or drive high,” MADD said.

“By displaying a red ribbon and/or vehicle decal, Canadians show their commitment to sober driving and honour victims and survivors of this violent crime.”

The campaign also encourages Canadians to plan ahead for a safe ride if they know they will be consuming alcohol and/or drugs. That can include booking a taxi or ride-share, using public transit or arranging a designated driver.

Decals, red ribbons and posters are available by contacting MADD Saskatoon.