RCMP Join Madd in Holiday Campaign
As a former police officer, Cumberland Mayor Murray Scott knows all about the challenge faced by law enforcement in deterring impaired driving.
Speaking during the launch of the 2023 Project Red Ribbon Campaign by members of the Cumberland-Tantramar Chapter of MADD Canada, the mayor said he’s disappointed with the most recent statistics in impaired driving in Nova Scotia.
“It’s kind of disappointing when you see the numbers because they’re still way too high.” Scott says, “I’m all about learning from the mistakes of the past, but this shows that maybe we aren’t.”
The mayor said he’s so appreciative of the work of law enforcement agencies across the country to reduce the dangers on its highways and said although the numbers are striking, the work of police and others should never be overlooked. He added, “Even getting one impaired driver off the road makes all the difference in the potential to save lives.”
This is the 36th year for Project Red Ribbon as its strives to make people think about getting behind the wheel or being in the vehicle with a driver under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, and/or other drugs.
“Project Red Ribbon helps keep the sober driving message top of mind during the busy holiday season,” said Const. Travise Dowe of the Cumberland RCMP. “The campaign is a nationwide effort that sees hundreds of volunteers distributing red ribbons and car decals to attach to vehicles, keychains, purses and backpacks.”
The ribbons, he said, are a powerful symbol of each wearer’s commitment to sober driving while also serving as a highly visible tribute to all the victims who have been killed or injured in impaired driving crashes.
Police will be conducting check stops across Cumberland, including the towns of Oxford and Amherst, throughout the holiday season.
The photo, by Darrell Cole, shows Mayor Murray Scott and Deputy Mayor Mark Joseph with law enforcement agencies and members of the Cumberland-Tantramar Chapter of MADD Canada.
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