Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, MADD, I remind Canadians to be responsible and not to drink and drive this holiday season.
In Canada impaired driving is still the single largest criminal cause of death and injury. Over 83,000 charges of impaired driving are made each year in the country. On average, 4.5 Canadians are killed and over 125 injured daily in alcohol related crashes.
Approximately 40% of all traffic fatalities are alcohol related. This is simply not acceptable in modern society. The price tag for alcohol related accidents is estimated to be $7.2 billion each year. This year I implore Canadians to step back and think about the devastating consequences if they take the wheel under the influence.
As we celebrate the holiday season, let us adopt MADD's philosophies, adopt its ribbon campaign and tie one on for safety.