MADD Canada issues reminder to always drive sober
Posted October 30, 2026 11:49 am.
Four years ago, Sharmistha Das and her family were forced to navigate an immeasurable tragedy.
Das’ parents, Suparna and Suranjan, were on their way to a vacation in B.C.’s Interior when they were killed by an impaired driver.
“We have had to learn to move on, move forward without the two people that shaped our lives,” she said.
“In a second, they were gone. There’s no chance to say goodbye, no opportunity for one last conversation, one more hug, one more dinner at the family table.”
According to ICBC, an average of 65 British Columbians are killed every year from impaired drivers, a fifth of the province’s total motor vehicle fatalities. With the holidays fast approaching, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has launched its annual awareness campaign, project red ribbon.
“These tragedies are not just statistics; they represent lives lost, families shattered, and communities forever changed,” said Trisha Dosaj, national president of MADD Canada.
“Every ribbon or car decal represents a commitment to drive sober, but it’s also a symbol of remembrance.”
The most recent data from Statistics Canada shows B.C. as the province with the highest impaired driving arrests per capita. With that in mind, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is echoing the public safety reminder to never get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs.
“Come up with a different plan: Uber, rideshare, transit,” said VPD Supt. Jeff Neuman.
“It’s all relatively cheap these days, and there’s lots of it to get home safely.”
For 39 years, MADD Canada has issued the same message: if you can afford to go out, you can afford a lift home. But don’t just take it from them.
“Your decision could make the difference between a family getting to grow old together and a family having to learn to live with unimaginable loss and unspeakable trauma,” Sharmistha said.
