TORONTO, Ont. – MADD Canada and members of Toronto’s emergency services were on hand for the annual red ribbon campaign launch at police headquarters, Tuesday morning.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the campaign, which is aimed at promoting sober driving during the holiday season.

“It’s a crime, and if you see a crime being committed, you’re being put at risk. People you care about are being put at risk, and the city’s being put at risk,” said Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair, who helped to kick off the campaign by tying a red ribbon onto an EMS vehicle.

Participants are asked to wear a red ribbon or tie one onto a vehicle, which symbolizes their commitment to driving sober.

The ribbons also serve as a tribute to those who have been killed by impaired drivers.

Statistics show that an average of four Canadians are killed, while 174 are injured, as a result of crashes involving impaired drivers, every day.

This year in Ontario, 59 of 243 fatal crashes have been caused by drunk drivers.

“Even in Toronto, where I believe there is a greater awareness among our citizens about the evils and the potential tragedy of drunk driving, three of our fatalities this year have involved people who were under the influence of alcohol,” Blair said.

The current totals are upsetting to officials, even though the numbers have dropped about 70 per cent since the first Red Ribbon appeared.

“Don’t end up in the back of an ambulance,” warned EMS chief Paul Raftis. “Stay safe, make the right choice, don’t drink and drive.”

“Consider the consequences of your action. The life you save may be your own,” added Blair.

If you spot an impaired driver, police and EMS officials advise you to call 911 immediately.