As the holiday season approaches, the message from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is clear: stay safe and drive sober. Connie Hagel, a community leader for MADD and a member of the organization’s national board, emphasized the importance of planning ahead when celebrating during the holidays.
"There's no reason that they should [drive impaired]," Hagel said. "With our day and age with Uber, taxis, the nice weather that we've had, there are other methods to get home. If you know you're going to go out for a Christmas party or to celebrate, plan ahead."
Hagel explained the devastating consequences of impaired driving, which can affect not only the driver but also countless others. "You can potentially kill somebody or injure somebody, and it could be your mother, brother, sister, child, grandchild, whatever," she said. "That's why I got into it. Because I have children and grandchildren, and I don't want them harmed by an impaired driver."
In addition to planning ahead, Hagel encouraged the community to play an active role in preventing impaired driving by reporting it when they see it. "A lot of people don't realize that they can call 911 to report an impaired driver, but you can," Hagel said. "Your reporting that impaired driver could possibly save a life or save somebody from injury."
To promote safe driving during this time of year, MADD is running its Red Ribbon Campaign, which is a nationwide initiative in Canada. "The red ribbon is a campaign that is across Canada with MADD, and if you get a red ribbon, you tie it, wear it or do whatever you want with it and show it, and that's your commitment to show the world that you're going to drive safe," Hagel explained. "You're not going to drive impaired."
Hagel noted that the holiday season often sees an increase in impaired driving incidents, and the Red Ribbon Campaign is a simple but effective way to make a statement about safe driving. "It's about your commitment to show the world that you're going to drive safe," she added.
Beyond just wearing the ribbon, Hagel encouraged community members to be proactive in helping others make responsible choices. "Be a good wingman," she said. "I know there's a lot of people out there who would not drink or choose not to drink at a certain function. Be somebody's ride home or call a cab."
In Estevan, MADD is working closely with local police to raise awareness through positive ticketing, where drivers who practice safe driving are rewarded with MADD or SGI swag. The group is also placing signs in areas where impaired drivers were caught, reminding the public that impaired driving can happen anywhere, not just on the main roads.
"We put out signs where the impaired drivers are caught just to give people awareness," Hagel said. "You're not only caught on your main thoroughfares, but you're also caught coming out of your driveway. You think that you're not impaired, and I can drive a block or two to go to 711 and pick up a snack or something and you get caught being impaired."
As the holiday season ramps up, Hagel’s message remains consistent: plan ahead, stay safe, and always choose to drive sober. With the community’s support, MADD hopes to make this season one of celebration without tragedy. For those looking to participate in the Red Ribbon Campaign, ribbons are available at local liquor stores or directly through Hagel.