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The Lucknow Sentinel, 2015-11-25, Page 22 Lucknow Sentinel • Wednesday, November 25, 2015 Cost of impaired driving emphasized at MADD Red Ribbon launch Troy Patterson Kincardine News Impaired driving can cost lives and/or thousands of dollars in comparison to a cab ride, or gas money for a friend, but not everyone is getting the message. "When you get to a scene where there's a death or seri- ous injury, you see the cost is high for the families," said Huron OPP Sgt. and MADD board member Russ Nesbitt. "If we can prevent it, it's the best solution." The annual Huron -Bruce Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Red Rib- bon campaign kicked off with both South Bruce and Huron OPP detachments getting the message out in Lucknow on Nov. 18, 2015. Nesbitt has been at scenes of crashes involving impaired drivers and their victims, which has an ongo- ing and significant cost on children, families and com- munities across the region. Though some people who are caught impaired driving are remorseful or apologetic, it comes down to the excuse about why they drove instead of using a cab, riding with a friend, walking or staying the night. "I've never had anyone in the back seat of the cruiser who wouldn't be there had they paid for a cab ride home," he said. "I can't believe it's still happening. It's totally preventable." Troy Patterson/Kincardine News MADD Huron -Bruce joined the South Bruce and Huron OPP units to launch the Red Ribbon campaign with a RIDE program in Lucknow on Nov. 18, 2015. MADD Huron -Bruce launched its annual Red Ribbon campaign with the help of South Bruce and Huron OPP officers in Lucknow Nov. 18, 2015. Pictured: L -R: MADD volunteers Catherine Beyersbergen (co -president), Laurie Dinning, and Barb Rintoul (co -president, MADD board member and Huron OPP Sgt. Russ Nesbitt, OPP Provincial Constable Mike Barnes, and Huron OPP Inspector Jason Younan. Aside from the physical and mental cost a crash can have on both the driver, if they survive, and the victims involved, the financial cost that comes along with impaired driving is immense. Court costs, impaired driving fines, the 'Back on Track' program and breathalyzer ignition system, as well as increased insur- ance and potential liability costs can number in the thousands, he said. Volunteers joined OPP officers at RIDE stops in the village to distribute ribbons, which are also out in stores with donation boxes to raise money for the cause. The money collected from the campaign is used for impaired driving awareness and community presenta- tions to Grade 7-8 and high school students. Proceeds are also used towards the pur- chase of $1,200 'beer goggles; a set of three different goggles used to simulate different stages of alcohol impairment used in presentations with teenagers and adults. The set is shared between the two regional OPP detachments. "We want people to realize impaired driving is not an accident and it costs lives," said Huron -Bruce MADD co -present Barb Rintoul. "This is our way of raising community awareness of impaired driving, so we can show we're part of the com- munity and want to help." Rintoul said the ribbons are a visual reminder to show people support pre- vention and reporting of impaired drivers, whether they're friends, family or strangers. For more information visit maddchapters.ca/ huronbruce Farmers' Harvest sold out at Dungannon Hall The Farmers' Harvest Christmas Party is now a sold out event at the Dungannon Ag. Hall. A delicious steak sup- per is on the menu, catered by Jonathan Nel- son of Sepoy Catering. DJ Joe Carter is on site to help you dance off a few of the consumed calories later in the evening. A reminder that the Dungannon Seniors are still baking their delicious pies. Turkey, beef, apple, cherry and blue- berry are available in full size, or single size. Con- tact Irene Markham if interested. Jake Alton finished third overall in the spring series of motocross. He was 2nd in the summer series and 1st in the fall series, with each series having 6-7 races. He has raced in the 50 expert class all year, with expert being the fastest of the 50 classes. Brett Alton finished up the year with 10th overall in the 85 beginner class out of 30 kids. A reminder that this Sunday is White Gift Sunday, the first Sunday of Advent, at Trinity United Church. Got news? Email: dungannonnews@ gmail.com you Ye Wilted to. . ►S ]—uCkNGlaus� Sahta Vatade cn 2015 Friday, Nov. 27 , 7 p.m' • Floats should assemble on Havelock Street, north of Campbell St; the parade will proceed down Campbell Street • Santa & Mrs. Claus will meet with children a the Sports Complex following the parade - - • Free treat bags for the kids • Free skating from 7 p.m. Please note: The Lucknow Guides and Lucknow & District Fire Department will be collecting (along the parade route) non-perishable food donations for the Bruce County Food Bank