Service NL
November 13, 2012

Minister Attends Launch of Project Red Ribbon

The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Service NL, together with Wayne Power, President of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Avalon Chapter, launched Project Red Ribbon at a ceremony at Confederation Building today (Tuesday, November 13). The event was also attended by the Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) group from Holy Spirit High School.

“I am so glad to join with members of both Mothers and Students Against Drunk Driving for this ceremony, which puts a focus on the importance of drivers being responsible and planning ahead for safe driving,” said Minister McGrath. “The upcoming Christmas season is a time for family and friends to attend dinners and parties together, and a program like Project Red Ribbon provides a necessary and constant reminder to everyone to make responsible choices when consuming alcohol.”

This is the 25th anniversary of the Project Red Ribbon campaign. Each year from November 1 and throughout the holiday season, the public is encouraged to tie a red ribbon to a visible place on their vehicle such as the antenna or side mirror. The red ribbon is a sign of respect for the thousands of Canadians who have lost their lives or who have been injured as a result of impaired driving. The red ribbon also reinforces the message to drive sober through the holidays and throughout the year.

“It is encouraging to see the Provincial Government joining forces with us again to launch this campaign,” said Wayne Power, President of MADD Avalon Chapter. “It is also significant that we have a student group with us today as it is so important to educate drivers at a young age regarding the dangers of drinking and driving.”

Every year, between 1,250 and 1,500 Canadians are killed and more than 63,000 injured in impaired driving crashes. In Newfoundland and Labrador there have been recent successes in the reduction of alcohol-related fatalities and injuries. In 2010, there was an 11.4 per cent decrease in alcohol-related fatalities and a one per cent decrease in alcohol-related injuries.

Changes to the Highway Traffic Act in 2010 have increased enforcement in the area of impaired driving. These changes included authorizing law enforcement officials to use traffic stops to determine if drivers are impaired, increasing the suspension period for drivers registering over 50 mg per 100 ml to seven days, and instituting a zero tolerance rule for alcohol for drivers who accompany a novice driver.

For more information on MADD Canada and Project Red Ribbon, visit: www.madd.ca/madd2/en/services/awareness_campaigns_red_ribbon.html

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2012 11 13                     10:20 a.m.