The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Service NL:
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to recognize the Project Red Ribbon campaign. In its 31st year, Project Red Ribbon is Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s longest running, and probably most well-known, public awareness campaign.
Losing a loved one due to impaired driving is particularly devastating because of how needless and unnecessary it is. Each year, almost 1,500 Canadians are killed and more than 63,000 are injured in impairment related crashes.
Mr. Speaker, these types of incidents are preventable.
Never drive impaired, or with an impaired driver. If you plan on drinking, arrange for a designated driver or call a cab and, if you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 911.
I would also like to remind all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that it’s not just alcohol that impairs. Illegal drugs, cannabis, prescription or over-the-counter medication, and even fatigue can impact one’s ability to safely operate a motorized vehicle.
This province has some of the strongest impaired driving laws in the country, Mr. Speaker. Thanks to the support of MADD and all members of this House we have made significant changes to the Highway Traffic Act, including stronger penalties for impaired drivers.
I commend the efforts of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and encourage everyone to participate in this important campaign.
Thank you.