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By Sheena Roszell

New MADD GP leader hoping to make an impact

Nov 9, 2018 | 11:24 AM

The Mothers Against Drunk Driving chapter in Grande Prairie has found someone to step into the leadership role and get programs rolling again in the community.

Tia Marsten is employed with local law enforcement and grew up with an alcoholic mom and dad.

“As a child, I remember wrestling my step dad for the keys because he was too drunk to drive,” she said while explaining being part of MADD is something very important to her. “Both my parents were alcoholics and they would often drive impaired so, given my history, I thought this was the perfect position for me to get involved with.”

Marsten says she would like to be part of the solution.

“I’m confident that Grande Prairie is going to be supportive of the efforts to stop the senseless tragedies that are occurring on the roads and in the community.  The crime of impaired driving is totally preventable, even one death attributed to impaired driving is one death too many.

MADD currently has a variety of programs and services that she would like to bring here including a new program called Weed Out the Risk.

“Which I think is really important with the new legalization of marijuana.  Weed Out the Risk is an interactive harm reduction program which informs young people of the risks associated with using cannabis and driving.”

She says many people don’t realize that being high and driving is still driving impaired.  She has even had people tell her they drive better when they are high.  She’s hoping to bring a lot of awareness to the community as she steps into this leadership role.

Right now, MADD is running their Project Red Ribbon campaign where they ask people to tie a red ribbon onto their vehicle, backpack or purse and it’s a reminder to plan for a sober ride home.

MADD Grande Prairie is also looking for volunteers.  Those interested can email maddgpab@gmail.com. 

by Sheena Roszell