Canes' Team Up For Anti-Drinking & Driving Campaign

The AMA, the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the Lethbridge Regional Police Service launched the 2010 None for the Road holiday campaign at a media event in Lethbridge earlier today. This year, as Albertans prepare to celebrate with colleagues, family and friends, AMA is reminding people that it is equally important to plan how to get home as it is to plan your celebration. If you plan to drink, plan ahead so that you have a way of getting home safely. There are many options and no excuses for driving drunk, the only smart choice is the right choice - None for the Road.

“We’re not telling people not to drink,” says Don Szarko, Director of Advocacy and Community Services with AMA. “We’re asking that they plan their ride home as carefully as they plan their evening out. We all have a responsibility to protect ourselves and others, so don’t let someone you care about drive after they’ve been drinking. And remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving.” According to Statistics Canada, progress to decrease impaired driving has stalled. Again this year, approximately 22 per cent of drivers in fatal crashes had consumed alcohol before they got behind the wheel. Make it “None for the Road” this holiday season.

With the launch of this campaign’s second year, AMA is excited to be partnering with various law enforcement agencies, as well as the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) and the Western Hockey League (WHL), to remind Albertans to plan ahead before they have that first drink and their judgment becomes impaired. AMA and partners across the province will be helping educate drivers about making responsible drinking choices through community leaflets, posters and radio mentions during hockey broadcasts.

"We're proud to be a part of the Alberta Motor Association's None for the Road campaign and wish them success in their endeavors," says Lethbridge Hurricanes Business Manager Jim Bradley. "Any time we can help to bring awareness to a social issue such as this, especially one that effects so many people, that's a win for us, the AMA and our community as a whole."

“Choosing to drink and drive could be the last choice you ever make,” said Staff Sgt. Zealand Leavitt. “There is always another option. Take a taxi, call a friend or arrange for a drive-home service; but if you’re going to get behind the wheel, the only safe choice is None for the Road. “

For more information on the AMA None for the Road campaign, visit ama.ab.ca/NoneForTheRoad.

There will also be various promotions at all AJHL and WHL games throughout the holiday season. To help Albertans plan ahead and get home safely, AMA has launched a ‘Text for Taxi’ program that provides people who text “TAXI” to 333777 or visit http://m.ama.ab.ca with a list of local taxi companies. To promote a culture of traffic safety, AMA and community partners will also be rewarding people who choose “None for the Road” by distributing free hockey tickets at Checkstops throughout the holiday season.

The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) is the largest membership organization in Alberta, representing more than 901,000 members. As a leading advocate for traffic safety, travel and consumer protection, crime prevention, and the environment, AMA represents the interests of its members and the motoring public to industry and all levels of government. Visit ama.ab.ca to learn more about AMA's products, services and member advocacy initiatives.

(From AMA News Release)

Thanks,

Pat

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