Keep Impaired Driving Out of the Mix This St. Jean Baptiste Weekend, MADD Canada Urges

QUEBEC, QUEBEC- (Marketwire - June 23, 2011) - As millions of Quebecers prepare for Quebec's National Holiday festivities and the first long weekend of summer, MADD Canada is encouraging everyone to make safe and sober driving part of their plans.

 

Whether you are attending one of the numerous public parties, concerts, fireworks displays or parades, or planning a celebration at home with family and friends, leave the driving to someone else if you are going to be drinking.

 

"We see celebrations end in tragedy and grief far too often because someone gets behind the wheel impaired and causes a crash that kills or injures someone," said Marie Claude Morin, MADD Canada's Chapter Services Manager for the Quebec Region.

 

The hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries that occur in Quebec every year as a result of impairment-related crashes are 100% preventable. Recent headlines, deaths and injuries on Quebec's roads have shown that too many drivers still take a chance and drive after drinking or doing drugs.

 

"There is no excuse for driving while impaired," Ms. Morin said. "Plan ahead. Arrange a designated driver, plan to take public transit or a cab, or plan to stay over if you are impaired. For the sake a few minutes thought and planning now, tragedy can be avoided."

 

With the summer upon us, MADD Canada is reminding everyone to take care, not only on the roads, but on the waterways and trails as well. Operating any vehicle impaired – car, boat or ATV – is a dangerous, criminal act that puts you and everyone around you at risk in danger and can land you in jail.

 

MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a national, charitable organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this violent crime. With volunteer-driven groups in more than 100 communities across Canada, MADD Canada aims to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads.