Arrange a Sober Ride Home Before Raising Pints on St. Patrick's Day

OAKVILLE, ON--(Marketwired - March 12, 2015) - With St. Patrick's Day parties in full swing this weekend and early next week, MADD Canada and Allstate Insurance Company of Canada encourage revelers to make their own good luck -- plan ahead for a sober ride home if you're raising some pints in celebration.

"Whether you're attending a party at someone's home, or celebrating at your favourite pub, please take a few minutes beforehand and arrange a sober ride home," said MADD Canada National President Angeliki Souranis. "It could save your life and the lives of others."

Impaired driving is a deadly problem in Canada, killing between 1,250 and 1,500 people each year. Another 63,000 people are injured annually.

"Don't press your luck by driving impaired," said Allstate Canada President and Chief Executive Officer John O'Donnell. "You could face licence suspensions, fines, Criminal Code charges or worse, you could cause a crash resulting in injury or death. Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk."

This St. Patrick's Day, count on good planning and responsible decisions rather than luck. Call a cab, take public transit or arrange a designated driver.

If you need a safe ride home from a St. Patrick's Day Party or if you're hosting a party yourself and need transportation for guests, MADD Canada sponsor #TAXI offers a fast and easy option. Dial #TAXI (# 8-2-9-4) on any cell phone to connect to the first available taxi company in your area or the taxi company of your choice. For more information, visit http://www.poundtaxi.com/.

Ms. Souranis and Mr. O'Donnell also remind Canadians about the Campaign 911 program and the importance of reporting suspected impaired drivers to police. Promoted via signs, billboards, public service announcements and other materials, Campaign 911 provides the public with information on the possible signs of an impaired driver, tips on what to do and safety reminders. For more information, visit www.madd.ca.

About MADD Canada
MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a national, charitable organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this violent crime. With volunteer-driven groups in more than 100 communities across Canada, MADD Canada aims to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads. To learn more, visit www.madd.ca.

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of the country's leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products, serving Canadians since 1953. The company strives to keep its customers in "Good Hands®" as well as its employees, and has been listed three years in a row on the Best Employers in Canada list. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), United Way and Junior Achievement. To learn  more about Allstate Canada, visit www.allstate.ca.