The enclosed statement is being issued by the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL:

Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mothers Against Drunk Driving and their longest running, most well-known public awareness campaign, Project Red Ribbon.

For more than 37 years, a simple red ribbon has served as a powerful reminder to drive responsibly.

To never, ever drive while impaired.

I commend Mothers Against Drunk Driving for their efforts to end impaired driving. Their message of Project Red Ribbon cannot be overstated.

Every year, during the holiday season when social calendars are at their busiest, impaired driving takes a devastating toll on families and communities when people are killed or seriously injured.

Speaker, it is not just alcohol that impairs. Illegal drugs, cannabis, prescription, or over-the-counter medication, and even fatigue can impair your ability to drive.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. These types of crashes are 100 per cent preventable.

As we approach the holiday season, I urge Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to make the responsible choice every single time.

• Never drive impaired.
• Never get in a car with an impaired driver.
• If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 911.
• If you plan on drinking, designate a sober driver, or plan to call a cab or ride-share.

Because together we can end impaired driving.

Thank you.