Islanders can make a difference in the fight against impaired driving, says Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Ron MacKinley.
“Drinking and driving is a serious threat to public safety on Prince Edward Island and far too many deaths and injuries have occurred on our roads because of it,” said Minister MacKinley. “The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to partner with MADD Canada, the RCMP and local Police Services to do all we can to keep impaired drivers off the roads.”
Minister MacKinley was speaking today at the Prince Edward Island launch of Campaign 911, a Canada-wide campaign to encourage and empower the public to report suspected impaired driving by calling 911.
On average, four people are killed and 200 are injured every day in Canada as a result of impaired driving. Through signs, public service announcements and other materials, Campaign 911 partners will provide the public with information on the possible signs of an impaired driver, tips on what to do and valuable safety reminders.
“MADD Canada is pleased to be part of this province-wide effort to reduce impaired driving,” said MADD Canada Past National President, Margaret Miller. “Keeping roads safe is everyone's responsibility. Calling 911 is a critical way for the public to help police take impaired drivers off our roads.”
Other Campaign 911 partners include the Department of Justice and Public Safety and the PEI Liquor Control Commission. MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a national, charitable organization committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this violent crime. For more information, visit http://www.madd.ca/campaign911.html
BACKGROUNDER:
10 possible signs of an impaired driver
1. Driving unreasonably fast, slow or at an inconsistent speed
2. Drifting in and out of lanes
3. Tailgating and changing lanes frequently
4. Making exceptionally wide turns
5. Changing lanes or passing without sufficient clearance
6. Overshooting or stopping well before stop signs or stop lights
7. Disregarding signals and lights
8. Approaching signals or leaving intersections too quickly or slowly
9. Driving without headlights, failing to lower high beams or leaving turn signals on
10. Driving with windows open in cold or inclement weather
Report impaired driving; call 911, but do it safely:
Observe all safety rules: wear your seatbelt, pull off the road to use your cell phone.
Keep your distance from the impaired driver.
Never try to apprehend the impaired driver yourself.
Police officers are trained specialists; let them do their job.