MADD would support tailgating if safety precautions met

If Saskatchewan ever decides to follow Ontario in allowing U.S.-style tailgating, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) wants to make sure all safety precautions are in place.

In its budget released on Thursday, Ontario announced plans to permit fans to bring their own booze to parking lots near sporting events for tailgating parties.

While Saskatchewan has the highest rate of impaired driving among provinces, MADD regional manager Tracy Crawford said tailgating can be done, if enough safety precautions are in place.

MADD would want the government to ensure concerns around overconsumption, options for safe rides home and security were addressed.

“You’re going to have to be very proactive in making sure those attending visibly see the security and police, and know that they have to have a safe ride home,” said Crawford.

As MADD awaits further details from Ontario’s new tailgaiting plan, Crawford said the U.S. can be used as a guide. She doesn’t see any major problems with tailgate parties in the U.S. but that doesn’t take away from MADD’s concerns as it arrives in Canada.

“It’s a tough one because it’s so new,” said Crawford. “It can be a very fun environment for everybody but we just want to make sure that going to these things, the same laws apply — you can’t drink and drive.”

She explained districts in the U.S. that are successful in hosting tailgate parties ensure there’s a lot of visible security and staff are well-prepared, making sure no one gets behind the wheel if they are impaired.

“It’s really about education, creating awareness and having proper enforcement,” she said.