As a former police officer, Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Murray Scott knows all about the challenge law enforcement faces in deterring impaired driving.
Speaking during the launch of the 2023 Project Red Ribbon Campaign by members of the Cumberland-Tantramar Chapter of MADD Canada, the mayor said he’s disappointed with the most recent statistics in impaired driving in Nova Scotia.
Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Murray Scott and Deputy Mayor Mark Joseph held law enforcement agencies and members of the Cumberland-Tantramar Chapter of MADD Canada to launch the 36th Project Red Ribbon Campaign in Cumberland County. Darrell Cole – Municipality of Cumberland photo
“It’s kind of disappointing when you see the numbers because they’re still way too high,” the mayor said during the launch of the campaign designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving during the holiday season. “I’m all about learning from the mistakes of the past, but this shows that maybe we aren’t.”
The mayor said he’s so appreciative of the work of law enforcement agencies across the country to reduce the dangers on its highways and said although the numbers are striking the work of police and others should never be overlooked.
“Even getting one impaired driver off the road makes all the difference in the potential to save lives,” the mayor said.
This is the 36th year for Project Red Ribbon as its strives to make people think about getting behind the wheel or being in the vehicle with a driver under the influence of alcohol, cannabis and/or other drugs.
Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Murray Scott signs a proclamation declaring Nov. 1, 2023, as Project Red Ribbon Day within the municipality. Project Red Ribbon aims to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis and/or other drugs. Darrell Cole – Municipality of Cumberland photo
Project Red Ribbon helps keep the sober driving message top of mind during the busy holiday season,” Const. Travise Dowe of the Cumberland RCMP said. “The campaign is a nationwide effort that sees hundreds of volunteers distributing red ribbons and car decals to attach to vehicles, keychains, purses and backpacks.”
The ribbons, he said, are a powerful symbol of each wearer’s commitment to sober driving while also serving as a highly visible tribute to all the victims who have been killed or injured in impaired driving crashes.
Police will be conducting checkstops across the Municipality of Cumberland as well as the towns of Oxford and Amherst throughout the holiday season.