MADD Canada hopes personal stories will deter impaired and distracted driving
MADD Canada wants to get the message out to drivers that distractions really do affect your driving. They believe that sharing victims personal stories will be the most powerful deterrent.
The group said this year's conference, titled "It's all About the Stories" will feature families whose lives have been changed forever by distracted and impaired driving. MADD Canada said families will share their experiences and talk about what they've done to cope with the loss of their loved ones.
Denise Dubyk, MADD Canada's president, said the conference has the potential to really help people who are grieving.
"Sharing our own stories and learning from the experiences of others can be extremely helpful to those coping with loss or injury," Dubyk said. "The Victims' Weekend provides a place for victims to find comfort, solace and knowledge."
Besides the likely increase in auto insurance costs, the Careless Driving Law in Ontario can lead to significant penalties for anyone who's convicted of distracted driving. According to the Canadian Automobile Association, those caught could pay up to $1,000 in fines and risk a six-month prison sentence.