MADD and the TTC appealing to road users to make smart choices this holiday season

A campaign by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Toronto Chapter and the TTC is appealing to road users to make smart choices and plan ahead this holiday season, by taking public transit or driving sober.

Photos of impaired driving victims are being placed on the backs of TTC buses to pay tribute to the victims and their families. They are a timely reminder of the dangers associated with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This effort is part of MADD Canada’s Project Red Ribbon holiday campaign.

“This campaign reminds us all to drive sober, nominate a sober driver, or, better yet, take the TTC, because the holidays should be memorable for all the right reasons,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “With so many public transit options in Toronto there’s no excuse – if you are impaired in any way, don’t drive.”

“On behalf of the TTC Board, we join MADD's Toronto Chapter in paying tribute to the victims of impaired driving and their families and applaud MADD for over 30 years of continuing to raise awareness about the tragic consequences of drunk and drug-impaired driving,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “The photos in this campaign serve as tragic reminders of families who will spend the holidays missing a loved one lost to impaired driving.”

“The TTC is proud to once again be partnering with MADD Toronto Chapter for Project Red Ribbon, because it is unacceptable for anyone to lose their life because of impaired driving,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary. “We want to see everyone making smart choices this holiday season by including public transit in their plans and getting home safely.”

“MADD Toronto is once again grateful to the TTC for partnering with the Red Ribbon Campaign” said Carolyn Swinson, MADD Toronto Chapter Director Victim Services. “Many families are missing loved ones this holiday season because someone made the decision to drive impaired. The pictures on the buses are a sad reminder of the tragic consequences and hopefully a message NOT to drive impaired.”

The Campaign runs from the beginning of November to the beginning of January. The ribbons are a commitment to drive sober and to serve as a powerful tribute to the thousands of Canadians killed and injured in crashes involving alcohol and/or drugs each year.