1. Dear Community,
This is a letter that as a group we decided to write as advocators for Mothers Against Drunk
Driving also known as MADD. The mission of MADD is to stop impaired driving and to support
victims whom have lost family members or loved ones to drunk driving. Drinking and driving is
a concern that many of us have as we have loved ones who are always driving; they can either
become a victim of drunk driving or a drunk driver.
As a group we want to help prevent drinking and driving within our community. There are very
serious consequences that are caused by drinking and driving. For example, drinking and driving
can cause an individual to have serious injuries such as broken hand or leg. The most severe
consequence of all is death which sad to say is a common thing that happens within our
community. According to MADD Canada in 2009 it estimated that a minimum of 1,074
individuals were killed due to car accidents that were impaired-related. (Pitel & Solomon, 2012)
This number is a low number because of the fact that not all surviving impaired drivers are
tested; as well the information is based on police reports. Also in 2009 MADD Canada found
that approximately 63,338 of the individuals injured in car accidents were the cause impaired
drivers. (Pitel & Solomon, 2012)There are harsher penalties and laws for impaired drivers
especially in Toronto where there is a zero-tolerance policy meaning that once an individual has
been found drinking and driving they will be charged. Also our local and provincial police
services conduct R.I.D.E programs that stand for Reduced Impaired Driving Everywhere. The
purpose of R.I.D.E programs is to deter and prevent individuals from drinking and driving within
the community. The holidays are one of the busiest times on the road which is why law
enforcement officers conduct R.I.D.E programs. According to the Ontario Provincial Police
during the 2011-2012 R.I.D.E program from November 25th 2011 to January 1st, 2012 551
individuals were issued suspending throughout the Greater Toronto Area. ("Dui/dwi statistics,"
2012)
Impaired driving is a serious issue not only within our community but communities across this
great country. As residents of this community we have to spread awareness in order to prevent
mothers, as well as other loved ones from feeling that pain of losing one so close to their life. By
spreading awareness and volunteering with MADD within our community you as a resident can
help the roadways safer for everyone.

2. References
Dui/dwi statistics. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.ontariodesignateddrivers.com/dui-dwistatistics.html
Pitel, S., & Solomon, R. (2012). Estimating the number and cost of impairment-related traffic
crashes in Canada: 1999-2009. Retrieved from
http://www.madd.ca/english/research/estimating_presence.pdf