Nov 07, 2009 - 04:30 AM

By Chris Hall

DURHAM -- Michelle Crabb knows first-hand how quickly a life can be lost at the hands of a drunk driver behind the wheel of a car.

Almost three years ago, her younger brother, Taylor, 20, made the fateful decision to get into a vehicle with his boozed-up best friend. Their journey took them through the streets of Ajax, during the evening hours of April 22, 2007, and came to an abrupt end when the vehicle smashed into a tree.

“Drinking and driving was never in my world when I was growing up. And then, all of sudden, it has a huge effect on your life,” she said recently of her brother’s death.

Two months after the crash, around the time of her brother’s June 9 birthday, she decided to take a stand against impaired driving and contacted the Durham Mothers Against Drunk Driving chapter. A month after that, she was a member.

Fast-forward to a cold, blustery and rainy November day and Ms. Crabb, 25, is now the president of the Durham MADD chapter and kicking off her first Red Ribbon campaign at Mosport.

Surrounded by a collection of police officers from a variety of forces that patrol Durham’s roadways and a handful of local dignitaries and politicians, Ms. Crabb impressed upon a small crowd the importance of making the right choice after a night of partying.

“The message is clear: You can choose a ride safely and you can choose to save lives,” said Ms. Crabb. “It is possible to stop impaired driving.”

The campaign itself, with the theme Start with a red ribbon, Finish by saving lives for 2009, is a simple one. Supporters are asked to tie a red ribbon to their antenna, side mirror or any other visible location on their vehicle, which demonstrates their commitment to safe and sober driving. The ribbons also serve as a symbol to remember those injured or killed as a result of drunk driving.

According to MADD statistics, each day four Canadians are killed and 207 injured, on average, due to alcohol- and drug-related accidents.

“We have to be aware that drinking and driving doesn’t mix and that there are consequences for individuals, families and the community,” said Durham MPP John O’Toole. “It’s very important that we all take this seriously.”

Scott Burns, the Durham police force’s newly-announced deputy chief-elect, noted the regional police service has proudly partnered with MADD for years on the campaign.

“The commitment to road safety is critical to every resident in the region,” he said, noting Durham police will kick off their own RIDE initiative on Nov. 17.

Tiny and slender, Ms. Crabb uses her youthful appearance to her advantage when it comes to getting the message about impaired driving out to Durham’s youth.

At first blush, she may appear to be just another classmate when she strolls through the halls of Durham’s high schools. But when she stands at the front of the room and recounts her brother’s fate, a connection is made, said Ms. Crabb.

“I think it really hits home with them,” she said.

“I’m not here by choice. I think of it this way: If I had cancer, this would be my chemo. This is how I cope,” Ms. Crabb said of her public speaking engagements. “If I can save one kid or adult from drinking and driving, then all this work will be worth it.”

The Red Ribbon campaign runs through to the end of the first week in January. MADD Canada ribbons will be available at businesses across Durham Region.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.madd-durham.com.