Windsor Police and MADD Windsor & Essex County launch holiday impaired driving prevention campaigns

WINDSOR POLICE NEWS RELEASE
Windsor Police and MADD Windsor & Essex County launch holiday impaired driving prevention campaigns

The Windsor Police Service and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Windsor & Essex County are launching impaired driving prevention campaigns to keep roads safe this holiday season. The two campaigns, Project Red Ribbon and the 2025 Festive R.I.D.E. program, work together to raise awareness and encourage drivers to plan ahead, stay sober, and make responsible choices during one of the busiest times of the year.

Through Project Red Ribbon, MADD Windsor & Essex County will distribute red ribbons and decals across the community as a visible pledge to never drive impaired. The ribbon symbolizes a commitment to sober driving, honours victims and survivors of impaired driving, and serves as a daily reminder that every impaired driving collision is preventable.

To reinforce this message, Windsor Police officers will conduct Festive R.I.D.E. spot checks across Windsor and Amherstburg. During the 2024 campaign, officers stopped more than 1,758 vehicles and charged 26 drivers with impaired-driving offences. In the previous year, officers stopped 1,318 vehicles and laid 29 impaired-driving charges.

These figures highlight the ongoing need for both strong enforcement and sustained education locally and across Ontario.

“The launch of these initiatives sends a united and timely message as we head into the holiday season,” said Windsor Police Chief Jason Crowley. “With Festive R.I.D.E. on our roads and Project Red Ribbon visible throughout the community, we are combining enforcement with education to prevent impaired driving. When people choose to drive sober, they’re not just following the law – they’re protecting families, friends, and neighbours during holidays.”

“We join the Windsor Police Service in reminding Windsorites that impaired driving is never worth it. It’s not worth losing your licence, paying fines and legal fees, or facing higher insurance – and that’s if you’re only caught. Most importantly, it’s not worth risking your life or the lives of others on the road,” added Chaouki Hamka, MADD Windsor & Essex County Community Leader.

The Windsor Police Service and MADD Windsor & Essex County encourage everyone to plan ahead if you are going to consume alcohol or drugs. Options include arranging a designated driver, using public transit, booking a rideshare or taxi, or staying overnight.

If you see a driver you suspect is impaired, please call 9-1-1 immediately.