President of MADD Lethbridge & Area Anita Huchala launching Project Red Ribbon. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

MADD and Lethbridge Police launch “Project Red Ribbon” for impaired driving awareness

Nov 4, 2019 | 12:27 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – UPDATE: This story now includes stats from Lethbridge Police on impaired driving.

With another holiday season just around the corner, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers Lethbridge & Area are launching their annual Project Red Ribbon campaign.

President Anita Huchala explains what the campaign is all about.

“During this time, members of MADD Canada chapters and community leaders will join together across Canada, handing out red ribbons and car decals in our communities to display as a symbol of their commitment to drive sober.”

She adds that the ribbons are also a “powerful tribute” to the victims of collisions involving impaired drivers.

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Joining Huchala in Project Red Ribbon’s launch is Interim Police Chief Scott Woods.

“We deal with impaired driving within the city, it doesn’t matter when, year-round. Unfortunately, the holidays tend to bring a heightened amount to it with all the Christmas parties going around the city and the celebrations, so it’s a good time to reinforce the importance of making good decisions and not drinking and driving.”

According to Sgt. Bruce Hagel, 193 impaired drivers were stopped in Lethbridge in 2017, which decreased to 154 in 2018. As of October 31st, 2019, police stopped 150 impaired drivers.

On MADD’s posters, coin boxes, and bookmarks this year is an image of the Van De Vorst family.

While driving north of Saskatoon in early 2016, they were hit by an impaired driver who was three times over the legal alcohol limit.

All four family members, including children aged two and five, were killed. The driver was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Huchala says this is one of the countless examples of the harm impaired driving can cause.

Thankfully, adds Woods, impaired driving is easily preventable.

He is urging drivers to never get behind the wheel impaired. Instead, Woods suggests calling a cab, having a designated driver, or if you are partying at someone’s house, staying there for the night if possible.

“We’re in the era of cannabis being legal as well, so that as well, and even if you’re on some prescription drugs, when you start combining alcohol with other drugs, it can add to the impairment fairly quickly.”

MADD will have the red ribbons and car decals across the Lethbridge area, including at many of the local holiday celebrations. If you would like one, you can contact MADD Lethbridge & Area.

On the law enforcement side of things, Lethbridge Police will soon begin conducting more check stops.

The Red Ribbon box. (Lethbridge News Now)

LPS Interim Chief Scott Woods adding a red ribbon to a police vehicle. (Lethbridge News Now)

MADD Canada’s Memorial Wall. (Lethbridge News Now)