MADD and TTC urge road users to make smart choices this holiday season
A powerful campaign by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Toronto Chapter and the TTC is appealing to road users to make smart choices this holiday season by taking public transit or driving sober.
MADD launched its Project Red Ribbon holiday campaign today at the TTC’s Wilson Garage, bringing together families of victims of impaired driving as well as senior officers from Toronto Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Fire Service, and Toronto Paramedic Service.
TTC Chair Jamaal Myers unveiled a fleet TTC buses featuring images of innocent victims of impaired driving. Those remembered are Micheal Boutilier, Robert Carreau, Karla Groten, Cassius Richards, Ellen Silk, Paul Stephens, Doug and Emily Stewart, Alfred Sultana, Robert Swinson, Kalina Tsaneva, Whitney Turner, Dorothy Weichel, and Neils and Eleesha Wijeratne. Their images appear on 25 buses serving routes throughout Toronto this holiday season.
“The message behind this campaign is clear – drive sober, nominate a sober driver, or take public transit,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. “With the abundance of public transit options in Toronto, there is no excuse for driving while impaired. The holidays should be a time of joy and celebration, not tragedy caused by irresponsible decisions.”
“This campaign is a call to action for everyone to make responsible choices, prioritize safety, and ensure that the holiday season is filled with joy and togetherness, not tragedy and loss,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “MADD has been tirelessly advocating for over 30 years to raise awareness about the tragic consequences of drunk and drug-impaired driving. The photos displayed on TTC buses serve as a stark reminder of the families who will be spending the holidays without a loved one due to impaired driving.”
“It is unacceptable for anyone to lose their life due to someone driving under the influence,” said TTC CEO Greg Percy. “The TTC is proud to support MADD’s Toronto Chapter in this campaign, and we encourage everyone to make smart choices this holiday season by including public transit in their plans and ensuring they get home safely.”
“MADD Toronto is once again grateful to the TTC for partnering with the Red Ribbon Campaign,” said MADD Toronto Chapter President Bob Carreau. “Many families are missing loved ones this holiday season because someone made the decision to drive impaired. The photographs on the buses are a sad reminder of the tragic consequences and hopefully a message NOT to drive impaired.”
The Campaign runs from November to January. The red ribbons symbolize a pledge to drive sober and pay tribute to the thousands of Canadians killed and injured in crashes involving alcohol and drugs each year.