MADD and MCSO Promote 27th Tie One On For Safety Campaign

BRADENTON – According to a new national survey by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 73 percent of adults 21 and older said they have been at an event and seen someone try to drive home after drinking too much. As the holiday season approaches and people may be celebrating at events where alcohol is served, MADD Florida and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office urge adults to plan ahead for a non-drinking designated driver.

Drunk driving deaths typically spike over the holidays. In fact, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve in 2011*, 931 people were killed in drunk driving crashes nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

MADD’s Tie One On For Safety red ribbon campaign, now in its 27th year, is the organization’s signature public awareness program and is sponsored by National Presenting Sponsor Nationwide Insurance. Drivers across the country display MADD red ribbons on their vehicles as a reminder to plan ahead and designate a non-drinking driver.

“MADD Florida encourages all adults to always designate a non-drinking driver before leaving home for holiday festivities,” said Monica Johnson, MADD Florida. “We’re honored to join with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit to Tie One On For Safety and help make our communities safer during the holiday season and year-round.”

The Tie One On For Safety red ribbons also signify support for law enforcement officers, who will be out in force as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving includes support for these types of high-visibility law enforcement efforts, along with support for requiring ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, and for research into technology that could prevent a drunk driver from operating the vehicle.

MADD’s Tie One On For Safety red ribbons are available at the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention office, 600 US 301 Blvd, Bradenton, FL. For more information, visit www.madd.org.

*2011 is the most recent year for which there is data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).