MADD London Awareness Campaigns
Raising public awareness about the dangers of impaired driving is a critical strategy used to prevent more deaths and injuries from occurring.
As part of our commitment to MADD Canada’s goals, MADD London & Area members and volunteers are active in the community to heighten awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.
One such initiative is our road side signage project. A number of years ago we created Campaign 911 roadsigns that are located at various entry points into the city. These impressive 4 x 8 signs encourage drivers to call 911 if they suspect an impaired driver.
Now, more than ever, it is critical that we convey this message to our neighbours as every day, on average, 4 Canadians are killed and almost 175 more are injured in alcohol and drug related crashes.
The R.I.D.E. Program (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) originated in 1977 in Etobicoke, Ontario, as a community policing effort to address public concern about drinking and driving. Now, over 30 years later, the campaign continues to be an important tool for police nationwide. Although these programs run year-round, they are highlighted during the holidays to encourage sober driving. These spot checks are an important part of our commitment to keep our roads safe.
During the 2012/2013 holiday season, the Festive R.I.D.E. program sponsored by the London Police Service saw the following results:
There were 11,436 vehicles stopped, resulting in:
- 68 passes
- 2 Administrative Licence Suspensions
- 9 3-day Suspensions
- 1 Failure to Provide
We thank the London Police Service for their tireless work in the fight against impaired driving.
Strides for Change is MADD Canada’s annual walk-a-thon. The annual 5 km walk supports Chapters and Community Leaders in their efforts to educate the public about the dangers of impaired driving and to help victims in their communities.
The School Assembly Program reaches over a million students across the country.
Do you need a victim speaker? Are you a student doing a project? Do you need someone to come speak to your group about the dangers of impaired driving? We have several excellent videos and visual aids that can help our knowledgeable volunteers show your people the effects of impairment. We can also offer handouts for presentations. Invite MADD London to your event.
National Awareness Campaigns
MADD Canada’s national public awareness programs include:
- Campaign 911 – Campaign 911 educates and empowers the public about the right course of action to take if they see a driver they suspect is impaired.
- Project Red Ribbon – An annual campaign, beginning on November 1st, gives the opportunity for drivers to display a red ribbon on their vehicles in support of sober driving.
- Educational videos for schools and community groups.
- Public Service Announcements for radio, television, and print campaigns.
- Printed materials include booklets and brochures.
- MADD Matters – A national newsletter sent quarterly to victims/survivors, members, supporters, and community leaders to keep everyone informed about impaired driving issues and MADD Canada activities.
For more information, and to view certain publications, please visit MADD Canada.