"If Kids Get It, Why Don't You?" - WRPS partners with OPP and MADD for impaired driving campaign

Waterloo Region, Ontario - The Waterloo Regional Police Service, in partnership with MADD Canada and the Ontario Provincial Police, has launched an impaired driving campaign to encourage drivers to think twice before driving impaired.

The campaign, entitled If Kids Get it, Why Don't You?, features five children providing their insight on impaired driving. The goal of the campaign is to show that even young children understand the dangers of driving impaired and, if they do, adults should as well.

"Driving impaired, whether from alcohol or drugs, is illegal and dangerous," said Bryan Larkin, Chief of Police for the Waterloo Regional Police Service. "This campaign hopes to make motorists think about the consequences of impaired driving on themselves, their loved ones, and the entire community. Along with developing educational campaigns, we will be conducting RIDE programs throughout the holiday season to ensure our roads are kept safe."

The WRPS festive RIDE program commenced on November 19, 2021, and will run until January 3, 2022. 

"Despite law enforcement efforts and the risk of crash, injury and death, Canadians are still driving impaired," said Scott Verhoeve, Vice President of MADD Waterloo Region. "In fact, every hour, an average of 10 impaired driving charges and short-term suspensions are laid in Canada. We hope that these advertisements will encourage people to plan a safe ride home before they consume drugs or alcohol, so that they won't make a risky decision that causes the injury or death of themselves or other innocent people."  

During the holiday season – and every day – we remind motorists to make plans to get home safely. Arrange for a designated driver, order a taxi or ride-sharing service or take public transit. We also ask that if you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately.

The ads will be featured in the Waterloo Region Record on Saturdays over the coming weeks.

Also, stay tuned as the ads will be promoted on social media platforms for the WRPS, OPP and MADD Waterloo Region.