MADD drives message home

The News
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's 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 per cent. 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.