Sara Reddecopp's memory of a drunk driver crashing into her family's van is hazy but she does remember her mother taking hold of her hand seconds before the fatal impact.
Her mother, Marie, was killed in that crash in Tillsonburg on June 21, 2014. Reddecopp, who was 18-years-old at the time, was left with severe injuries and has undergone nine surgeries to date with more to come.
Holding back tears, Reddecopp shared her tragic story at the launch of MADD London's annual Red Ribbon campaign on Friday at the Covent Garden Market.
"I want to prevent this from happening to anyone else," said Reddecopp. "I'm a college student so I know how many parties go on, on weekends and I know how many people don't take the time to get a cab. They think 'it's not going to happen to me, I've gotten away with it before and what's one more time?'"
This is the 29th year for the holiday campaign that encourages motorists to tie a red ribbon to their vehicle to show a commitment to be sober when behind the wheel. It also honours those killed by impaired drivers.
"Most people don't realize before a person is convicted of their first DUI offence, they've actually probably driven at least 20 times impaired before that," said Mary Rodrigues, president of MADD London. "That is that mindset that 'I made it home safely so either I wasn't impaired or I am only going a short distance so it is okay' and it is not okay."
Rodrigues, who lost her infant son Alex to a drunk driver in Woodstock, says four people are killed and 175 others are injured every day in collisions involving an impaired driver. As the holiday season quickly approaches, she says the message for those who have had a few alcoholic drinks is a simple one.
"Don't risk it. It's not worth it. It's not worth your life. It's not worth anyone else's life," said Rodrigues.
Volunteers with MADD London will be handing out red ribbons at nine locations throughout the city on November 19 and at the Hyde Park Santa Claus Parade.
The Red Ribbon campaign runs until January 4.
