December 1st saw the official launch of “Campaign 911,” an initiative by the local MADD chapter to help curb the issue of impaired driving.

As part of the campaign, MADD encourages people to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911.

(Remember to pull over or use a hands free device if you’re on the road though.)

According to their release, four Canadians on average are killed and 207 are injured every day as a result of impaired driving. Effective 911 programs increase arrest rates for impaired driving by 30% on average.

MADD says there are 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.

MADD is working in conjunction with the Timmins Police Service and the OPP with this initiative.

The program was launched in 2007.

 

 

Filed under: Local News