Police AssociAtion of novA scotiA 37 MADD drives message home NEW GLASGOW - A little red ribbon tied to a car antenna or visor might not seem like much, but it could mean the difference between life or death. Claire Timmons, president of the Pictou County branch of Mothers against Drunk Driving, is hoping that little red ribbon will be a reminder to people this holiday season; don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been driving.” It’s a symbol of sober driving, as well as a tribute to those who have been injured or killed in impaired driving crashes,” Timmons said Friday as she watched volunteers and police officers hand out red ribbons on the Trenton Road. It was one of three checkpoints operating in the county on Friday to help get the word out that drinking and driving just don’t mix. “This time of year, there are more parties, more places to go, more alcohol involved,” she added. “We want it fresh in people’s minds - plan ahead. Get a designated driver, plan to stay the night, take a taxi. There are other options.” The campaign will run through the holiday season and into the new year, she added. New personal breathalyzer products recently released on the market are prompting mixed feelings from MADD representatives. A few years ago, MADD was “totally against” a keychain-sized breathalyzer, said Timmons, but this new version is a bit better. “These are different products - they’re more costly and fully calibrated, just like the roadside versions police officers use are fully calibrated,” Timmons said. “These are supposed to have an accuracy rate of .01 percent. By no means are we endorsing it, but it’s certainly a lot better and a step in the right direction.” Timmons is concerned that it would create a false sense of security for people who breathe into these devices and then get behind the wheel. “We want people to totally separate drinking and driving,’ she said. “If you’re going to drink, find an alternative way home.” MADD’s Pictou County chapter is also currently looking for new volunteers. “It’s not just a police or a mother thing - it’s for ordinary members of society,” Timmons said. “We’re made up of victims and people who just want to stop impaired driving as well.” For more information, email pcmadd@eastlink.ca. Originally published Saturday, November 14, 2009 - The News By Jennifer Vardy Little Claire Timmons, left, president of the Pictou County chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, ties a red ribbon on the antenna of a car during a traffic stop on the Trenton Road Friday afternoon as Const. Ken MacDonald with New Glasgow Police talks to the driver. The red ribbon campaign is a reminder not to drink this holiday season. MADD honours police officers Kentville event held to raise awareness KENTVILLE - Susan MacAskill has a message that she wants everyone in Canada to hear: impaired driving deaths and injuries are 100 percent preventable. Ms. MacAskill, the chapter services manager for the Atlantic regional office of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, was front and center Saturday to support MADD’s Stride for Change in the Annapolis Valley. The event took place in Kentville, where two town police officers were honoured for their work in keeping drunk drivers off the roads. Constables Chris Burke and David MacDonald each received a plaque and certified in recognition of their efforts to stop drivers who are drinking and to help educate the public and driving. “We couldn’t do what we do without the commitment to highway safety that the police forces have - both municipal and the RCMP,” Ms. MacAskill said. “We have a real partnership with the police. In fact, we have members of the police force serving on our board. We also work closely with the police in roadside checks and in victim support.” Saturday’s events included a walkathon to raise awareness and sobriety demonstrations. Originally published August 24th, 2009 Glen Parker ~ The Chronicle-Herald Riley Misner, 12, of Kentville, tries his hand at one of the simulated obstacle courses on Saturday during MADD Annapolis Valley’s Strides for Change.
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