The annual Red Ribbon campaign which promotes the importance of not getting into a vehicle while impaired has been launched by the Nipissing chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the OPP.

The initiative took place at the Northgate Shopping Centre and included a new interactive video game.

There were goggles which simulated the difference between having 80 mg of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood compared to 160.

Sgt. Shona Camirand says what drivers in the video game experienced is very similar to what happens on the roads when people are under the influence.

“A lot of the same things we look for as police officers when driving. They’ve weaving in the lane, they’re following too close, their speed varies from slow to fast. All the typical signs of an impaired driver,” she says.

The local chapter of MADD received $1,000 in support from Allstate North Bay.

Erin Celebre the chapter president of MADD locally was asked about 55 drivers being charged by North Bay OPP officers this year with impaired.

“Despite our best efforts to get out there and educate people and raise awareness about what can potentially happen if you’re behind the wheel when you’re impaired. The reality is the numbers continue to increase and this means the message is not getting through,” Celebre says.

There were 49 motorists charged all of last year.

(photo by station staff)

Filed under: impaired driving, North Bay OPP, Red Ribbon campaign