The OPP) is partnered with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Nipissing Chapter to launch the annual Red Ribbon Campaign this afternoon.
Something new this year was an interactive video game that shows what it is like to drive impaired.
The event takes place until 9 this evening (Friday) at Northgate Shopping Centre.
Allstate provided a $1,000 donation to the Nipissing Chapter.
Brian Gauthier, the manager at Allstate North Bay told CKAT that Allstate Canada has been a national sponsor for 30 years.
"All of these chapters are locally funded so it's important we get as much money as possible so we can help everybody and the victims. This year it's especially important with new cannabis laws and it's almost a re-eduction thing. With cannabis and impaired driving, we're seeing a whole new generation of kids out there so it's definitely a year they need to watch for."
"We have too many impaired drivers in our communities," says OPP Constable Shona Cammirand. "We want to make sure people drive sober."
Charges in the North Bay detachment have already surpassed last year.
"We've arrested 55 drivers this year with impaired driving and that includes 'refused' as well, but the message isn't getting out."
Cammirand says the OPP will be doing RIDE over the Christmas season.
"We're trying to get the message out to people to drive sober. It's not worth it in the end."
