Officers from the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment joined forces with volunteers from the Huron-Bruce Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) chapter in Goderich on November 3 to officially launch the annual Project Red Ribbon Campaign.
To launch the initiative and raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving ahead of the holiday season, officers and volunteers set up a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checkpoint in Goderich. Approximately 200 vehicles passed through the stop, and police reported that every driver checked was found to be driving sober.
Project Red Ribbon is a nation-wide annual effort aimed at encouraging safe, sober driving throughout the festive season. The Huron-Bruce MADD chapter recently celebrated 31 years of community service dedicated to ending impaired driving and offering support to victims of impaired driving crimes.
With higher traffic volumes expected over the coming weeks, police remind motorists to plan ahead before celebrating. Sergeant Russ Nesbitt from Huron County OPP emphasized that law enforcement will be actively monitoring local roadways throughout the holidays.
"Drivers should expect to see enhanced patrols and RIDE checks during the festive season," Nesbitt said. "Driving sober is always the right choice. If you choose to drink or use drugs, call a taxi, phone a friend, stay the night or have some other plan to get home safely. Please do the right thing and only drive if you are sober."
Red ribbons and vehicle decals representing the campaign are currently available through MADD Canada's website, local chapter leaders, and participating community sponsor locations.
