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Town of Golden considers sign campaign from MADD

This sign campaign, which is popping up in communities all over the province, is completely paid for by MADD.
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Mothers Against Drunk Drivers is requesting support in putting up signs like this one around Golden.

A representative from the Kootenay chapter of MADD (mothers against drunk drivers) appeared before Town Council at their last meeting to request support for their RID (Report Impaired Drivers) sign campaign.

“It empowers the public,” said Katryna Sigurdson of the signs that encourage motorists to call 911 if they see a driver who appears impaired. “They also impact drivers’ perceptions. If an impaired drivers sees this sign, all of a sudden there’s a stronger perception that they could get caught.”

She even told one story of an impaired motorist who crashed right in front of one of the signs, saw it, and called 911 on himself.

This sign campaign, which is popping up in communities all over the province, is completely paid for by MADD. Any municipality that signs on can choose from a few different designs, and post them around town. Kimberley, for example, has six signs up.

Placement of the signs is not recommended for the main streets, but rather the, “backroads that many drivers take to avoid running into police,” as Sigurdson put it. Also, permission would be needed from the Ministry of Transportation to put them on the highways.

MADD has received support from the RCMP for these signs, and should the Town sign on their logo could be placed on the signs around town.

The organization may also look into other sponsorship opportunities throughout the community.

Town Council deferred the conversation until next meeting, even though Coun. Eddie Leigan suggested the decision was a “no-brainer,” as it was not a time sensitive issue. If and when they do sign onto the program, the signs could be put up very quickly as MADD has preordered several in the hopes that more communities will soon be using them.