Head of MADD Canada’s Toronto chapter knows first-hand the tragic consequences of impaired driving

By JOSHUA McGINNIS

According to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Canada, hundreds of families lose loved ones due to impaired driving every year in this country.

In 2021, approximately 78,480 charges were laid across Canada for impaired driving. However, MADD said that there is no comprehensive data regarding fatalities and injuries from those who are affected by impaired driving due to the different ways some incidents are categorized or reported. The organization is dedicated to stopping impaired driving and supporting victims and their families who have been impacted by it.

The holiday season often sees increasing numbers of impaired drivers as more people are out attending social events and festivities at which they might be using alcohol or drugs, which is why MADD Canada holds its annual Red Ribbon Campaign at this time of year.

Between Nov. 1 and Jan. 6, MADD Canada will hand out red ribbons and car decals for Canadians to display, raise awareness, and remind people of the dangers of impaired driving. 

East Toronto resident Bob Carreau is the president of MADD Toronto, one of the many chapters nationwide, and his family has first-hand experience with the tragic consequences of impaired driving.

Carreau joined MADD in 2020 after an impaired driver killed his son, Robert, in the Muskoka area.

Robert was a headmaster at Rosseau Lake College, and was inspired to help his students learn to make the world a better place.

“He loved children, education, and academics, and he believed that solutions existed to some of our problems today by listening to the younger generation,” said Carreau of his son Robert. “He was working with tomorrow’s generation to try and make a difference.”

Robert was an active runner and he was fatally struck by the impaired driver while going for a jog with some of his colleagues.

Carreau said the convicted impaired driver involved in his son’s death was sentenced to 30 days in jail, 12 months of probation, and a two-year driving ban after pleading guilty to driving with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit.

Carreau and MADD Toronto spend a lot of time with high school students talking about the dangers of intoxicated driving and how preventable it is 

“Fatalities and injuries from drunk driving are preventable, especially in the city,” said Carreau. “We want to show students that it should always be an easy decision between impaired driving and finding another mode of transport like Uber or transit.”

He said the Red Ribbon Campaign is a key way for MADD Canada to get the message across, stating that it runs in communities across the country with the assistance of local police services, first responders, and transit services.

“The Red Ribbon Campaign has been running for 37 years, and we have had great success,” said Carreau. “So this year, we have even partnered with Metrolinx and TTC to inform people about the dangers of impaired driving.”

Carreau said it’s important to run the campaign during the holiday season.

“We recognize that it’s the busiest time for most people; there are work parties, private parties, and social events everywhere; we want people to enjoy themselves; we just want people to act responsibly as well,” he said. “There are so many options for a safe ride home in Toronto; driving while impaired is not one of them.”

Locally, members of the Toronto Police Service’s 55 Division held a kick-off event for their holiday R.I.D.E (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) Program at the intersection of Lake Shore Boulevard East and Northern Dancer Boulevard on the evening of Friday, Dec. 6.

Along with members of MADD Toronto, including Carreau, the Dec. 6 event was attended by Toronto City Councillor Paula Fletcher and Inspector Michael Hayles of 55 Division.

“Alcohol, illegal drugs, cannabis, over-the-counter and prescription medication can all affect your judgement and reaction time when behind the wheel of a vehicle, leading to serious consequences,” said a Toronto police news release about the Dec. 6 event. “The message to drivers this holiday season is clear: make the right decision and drive sober. Impaired driving can be a fatal choice and is completely preventable. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 9-1-1.”

For more information on the Red Ribbon Campaign, please email MADD Canada at info@madd.ca or call 1-800-665-6233.