MADD Canada says impaired driving includes cannabis use

‘You can’t go back in time, but you can plan ahead.’ – MADD Canada

As Canadians start preparing for the holiday season over the next few weeks, MADD Canada Windsor and community leaders kicked off the 2019 Project Red Ribbon campaign nationwide to raise awareness and prevent impaired driving.

Police and emergency partners, first responder agencies and engaged students delivered a powerful message on Friday afternoon’s campaign launch at the LaSalle Police Department, stating that everyone in Canada has the power to help with this completely preventable crime.

“Since 1989, countless volunteers have pursued the red ribbon campaign to save lives and be there for the countless victims who have lost loved ones,” said Chief of LaSalle Police, John Leontowicz. “In my over four decades of policing, MADD is perhaps one of the most successful organizations in the pursuit of saving lives.”

But MADD no longer just refers to “drunk driving.” Their stance is that the use of substances like marijuana or cannabis is equally to blame for impaired charges.

“Plan before you take that first sip of alcohol or that first toke,” said Chaouki Hamka, community leader for MADD Windsor-Essex County. “As soon as we put alcohol or cannabis into our system, our judgement will be clouded and we will not make good decisions.”

The Essex County OPP registered the first drivers license suspension in the province from cannabis.

Windsor Police Service reminded the public that they take calls to 9-1-1 “extremely seriously” and that reporting an impaired driver could save a life.

Thousands of volunteers nationwide will be handing out MADD Canada’s red ribbons, pins and decals to promote sober driving throughout the upcoming holiday season.

“However you are celebrating this holiday season, make a sober ride home your priority,” said Hamka. “Call an Uber or a cab, arrange a designated driver, take public transit or stay in for the night.”