New signs will soon remind islanders not to drive a car or a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The signs were presented to the public at Bowfest on August 24, says Cpl. Nancy Joyce of the Bowen Island RCMP.
"Drivers will see the signs posted along four island corridor roads:Dorman Road, Miller Road, Grafton Road and Mt Gardner Road," she said. "The boating signs will be placed at both municipal docks (Mt. Gardner and Snug Cove), as well as the Dallas Dock."
The signs read R.I.D. 911 and Joyce explained that this stands for Report Impaired Drivers, an action others are encouraged to take.
Joining Joyce at the Bowfest presentation was Tracy Crawford, the chapter services manager for B.C. and the Yukon for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada. Crawford said that the signs encourage the public to pull over and call 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver. MADD Canada's mission is to stop impaired driving as well as support the victims of this action, according to the organization's website. As the leading anti-impaired driving organization in Canada, MADD Canada's efforts are focused on five key areas: youth services, victim services, public awareness and education, public policy and the advancement of anti-impaired driving technology.
Approximately 65,000 Canadians are impacted by impaired drivers annually, according to MADD and Crawford says that the goal of the Bowen initiative is to "remove impaired drivers from the roads before a crash occurs."
The signs are just the first step of a campaign to draw attention to impaired driving on the island.
"OnSeptember 20, there will be a MADD fundraiser at the Bowen Island Pub to raise money with all funds staying in the community to be used to support school and community programs," Joyce said. "Eddie Weismiller has agreed to shave his beard to raise funds for the local chapter of MADD. Tickets are available at the Bowen Island Pub for $20, that charge includes a burger, fries and a beverage."
Joyce added that red ribbons are also available for drivers to put on the antennas of their vehicles to remind others that it's not okay to drive impaired. For more information about MADD Canada, see www.madd.ca or contact Tracy Crawford at 604-552-9273.
