Keep the Holiday Long-Weekend Free From Crashes and Tragedy – Drive Sober

Oakville, ON (MADD Canada) Whether you are opening the cottage, heading out on the boat or kicking back on the deck or patio this Victoria Day long weekend, MADD Canada and Allstate Insurance Company of Canada are urging everyone to leave impaired driving out of the mix.

“We want to wish everyone a happy and fun holiday long weekend,” said MADD Canada National President Patricia Hynes-Coates. “Most importantly, we urge everyone to keep safety top of mind and be sure to arrange a sober ride home.”


Impaired driving kills hundreds of people and injures tens of thousands every year. Every single one of those deaths and injuries is preventable. MADD Canada and Allstate Canada are encouraging Canadians to keep themselves and one another safe as they celebrate the upcoming long weekend:

• Don’t drive a car, boat, ATV or any other vehicle while impaired;
• Don’t get into a vehicle being operated by someone who’s impaired;
• Call 911 if you see a driver or boater you suspect is impaired.

The risk for impaired driving can be high on long weekends and throughout the summer months. That is a key reason MADD Canada launched its Campaign 911 program, and promotes it heavily through the summer months. Sponsored by Allstate Insurance Company of Canada and Maritime-Ontario Freight Lines Limited, and supported by police and community partners, Campaign 911 encourages the public to call 911 to report a suspected impaired driver. For more information, visit the Campaign 911 pages of MADD Canada’s web site at: http://madd.ca/pages/programs/awareness-campaigns/campaign-911/

“Safe roads and safe communities are a priority for Allstate Canada, and we are proud to work with MADD Canada to share the sober driving message,” said Ryan Michel, President and CEO of Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. “By planning ahead and looking out for one another, we can ensure this holiday weekend is free from the tragic consequences of impaired driving.”

The Campaign 911 message also applies on the water. For everyone getting their boats in the water for the summer season, please remember that impaired boating is impaired driving. With generous funding and support from Transport Canada, MADD Canada has worked with police services, municipalities and marine organizations to place more than 900 Report Impaired Boaters – Call 911 signs at harbours, marinas and boat launches across the country. MADD Canada has also produced public service announcements and other awareness materials highlighting the dangers of boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

About MADD CanadaMADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a national, charitable organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this violent crime. With volunteer-driven groups in more than 100 communities across Canada, MADD Canada aims to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads. To learn more, visit www.madd.ca.

About Allstate Insurance Company of CanadaAllstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of the country’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products, serving Canadians since 1953. The company strives to keep its customers in “Good Hands®” as well as its employees, and has been listed five years in a row on the Best Employers in Canada list. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as MADD Canada, United Way and Junior Achievement. To learn more about Allstate Canada, visit www.allstate.ca.