Mothers Against Drunk Driving Saskatoon is encouraging the public to ‘tie one on’ in a much different way this holiday season. 

MADD Saskatoon President Bonny Stevenson says this is the 38th year that MADD has participated in the Project Red Ribbon Holiday Awareness Campaign. To take part, all you have to do is tie one of MADD’s red ribbons to your keys, vehicle, purse, briefcase, or backpack. 

“A red ribbon is your commitment to driving sober. If you display that red ribbon, you’re telling people that you’re committed to driving sober through that holiday season,” she explains.

In 2024, there were 4,892 impaired driving incidents in the province, ten of which were fatal. Stevenson lost her son Quinn to a drunk driver when he was just 17 years old back in 2013. She uses his story to spread awareness about the importance of finding a safe ride home, especially during the holiday season when social gatherings skyrocket.

“There isn’t any part of your life that doesn’t get affected when you lose a loved one from your family. Whether it’s a brother, a sister, a son. Whatever it is, it doesn’t matter. It’s devastating.”

Stevenson says although it is harder to find a safe ride home in a rural area, there is no excuse for impaired driving if you live in a larger centre like Saskatoon. Options include calling a cab, an Uber, a designated driver, or simply staying the night wherever you are.

Red ribbons and car decals are available through MADD Canada Chapters across the country, online at madd.ca, or by emailing info@madd.ca. 

Above is a map created by Craig Stevenson of the impaired driving incidents that have been documented in and around Saskatoon in recent years.