During this holiday weekend, MADD asks the public to display MADD red ribbons on all vehicles to support its premier public awareness campaign – Tie One On For Safety –calling for stepped-up law enforcement in support of our Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.
Millions of red ribbons are expected to be distributed nationally, as part of a tradition throughout the U.S. for more than 20 years. This November also marks the third anniversary of MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, which makes increased high-visibility law enforcement a priority.
“My heart goes out to all those whose loved ones have been killed or injured by this senseless and utterly preventable crime,” says Mary Kardell, MADD North Texas Executive Director. “We must do all we can to stop others from experiencing such needless pain. We can eliminate drunk driving in Texas through efforts like the Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. Labor Day crackdown.”
MADD is partnering with NHTSA on the national crackdown, along with the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
Thousands of drivers make the deadly decision to drive drunk. In 2007 nearly 13, 000 people were killed nationally in crashes where a driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or more.
The days surrounding Labor Day weekend are some of the most dangerous times on the nation’s roadways. In 2008, 196 people were killed in drunk driving crashes during the Labor Day weekend. More than 230 people died in drunk driving crashes nationally during this holiday weekend in 2007. Stepped-up law enforcement is a critical deterrent for party-goers, and helps stop drunk drivers before they kill or injure others.
“We’re sending a clear reminder to drivers that if they drive drunk, they will be arrested,” warns Irving Police Chief, Larry Boyd. We are using all the tools and resources available to stop similar tragedies before they occur. These tools will include: No-Refusal Blood Draw enforcement procedures and other high-visibility enforcement activities which are proven to save lives.”
Research shows that highly publicized, highly visible and frequent sobriety checkpoints reduce alcohol-related crashes and fatalities by an average of 24 percent. Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. mobilizes thousands of law enforcement agencies in all 50 states, backed by an $13 million national advertising campaign
Three other components of MADD‘s Campaign, in addition to high-visibility law enforcement, are mandatory ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers; development of advanced vehicle technology to detect and stop drunk drivers; and mobilization of grassroots support.
Founded in 1980, MADD is a non-profit organization with approximately 600 affiliates and 2 million members and supporters nationwide. MADD’s mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of the violent crime and prevent underage drinking. For more information, visit www.madd.org or call 214-637-0372.
Spanish translation will be available.
