Everyone knows the dangers of impaired driving, but this North Toronto resident knows first-hand the damage such recklessness can cause and is spreading the word about a campaign aimed to prevent it during the holiday season.

Marlene Stephens’ husband, Paul, was killed by an impaired driver in July 1992 while driving on Highway 404. “He went to a company golf tournament,” she said, “and he didn’t come home.”

The tragedy led Stephens to become a volunteer with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Canada’s Toronto chapter years later, and she has been very active since then, particularly when she served as president and, prior to that, as volunteer co-ordinator.

Currently underway is MADD’s 26th annual Red Ribbon Campaign, which runs until the beginning of January.

“We do awareness all year round,” Stephens explained, “but the number of awareness events we do increases this time of year, because of the socializing during the holiday season, and it’s a time when people are more apt to drive impaired.”

Stephens also speaks at schools and youth groups and shares her personal experience with first-time offenders convicted of impaired driving.

“One of the most meaningful parts of my role as a volunteer for MADD, I do think the personal story, I think it does make a difference,” she said. “I hope it does.”

People have, at times, approached Stephens to offer their regret for driving impaired after hearing her story.

The main message MADD tries to convey is to plan ahead, she said, advising people to use a designated driver, the TTC, a taxi or stay overnight.