You'll soon see more signs around the region urging you to call 9-1-1 to report a suspected impaired driver.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving Windsor and Essex County is teaming up with Caesars Windsor Cares on a new campaign.
The casino is providing $13,000 to help post 110 signs across the region with a simple message — Report Impaired Drivers, Pull Over and Call 9-1-1.
Caesars Windsor Regional President, Kevin Laforet says it was a good fit for a gaming and entertainment operation.
"We're committed to offering our products and services in a responsible manner. Whether that's responsible beverage service or responsible gaming," says LaForet. "So when we saw this proposal, it did really resonate on that front and then just the proposal itself increases awareness, it'll make our roads safer and unquestionably it'll save lives."
Leamington Deputy Mayor Larry Verbeke, Caesars Regional Vice President Kevin Laforet, MADD Canada CEO Andrew Murie and MADD Windsor Essex Community Leader Chaouki Hamka with Campaign 9-1-1 signs, Caesars Windsor, June 13, 2019 (by AM800's Peter Langille)
MADD Canada CEO, Andrew Murie says the recognition of impaired drivers is becoming more urgent since the legalization of marijuana.
"With the onvent of cannabis, this issue is way more important now because it's just not alcohol any more, it's cannabis and driving, it's alcohol it's a combination," says Murie. "So as the alcohol numbers are coming down the cannabis numbers are going up, so we need this campaign more than before."
OPP Detachment Commander for Essex County, Inspector Glenn Miller says he saw just today that the system works.
"Just a matter of a few hours ago, I observed an alert that came out. It was an observation from a member of the community that notified us of an impaired driver, and yes this is during the early morning hours. That is not uncommon at all, and as a result of that we were able to safely take that person off the road," says Miller.
There are currently 40 of the signs in place and they'll be refurbished while over 60 more are added.