Ribbon Shows Public Support for Holiday Enforcement and MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving

Tie One On For Safety, the popular holiday ribbon awareness campaign, urges motorists to tie the MADD ribbon to their vehicles and/or their car keys as a pledge to be safe on the roadways, and to tie one on in support of the ongoing Campaign to promote intensive enforcement, alcohol ignition interlocks and vehicle-based technologies to stop drunk driving. Millions are expected to be distributed nationally, as part of a tradition throughout the U.S. lasting more than 20 years. This November also marks the second 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 Emily Tompkins, MADD Colorado's State Executive Director. "We must do all we can to stop others from experiencing such needless pain. We can eliminate drunk driving in Colorado through efforts like the Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. holiday crackdown."

At today's red ribbon campaign kick-off community officials, MADD supporters and victim survivors joined together for a holiday dinner and honored loved ones that were killed in drunk driving crashes inColorado, by leaving empty chairs with lit candles at each table. Julie Legg, MADD Volunteer, spoke about the importance of showing support for enforcement and making a pledge to celebrate safely during the holidays. Julie's son, 23 year- old Senior Airman Kristopher Mansfield was killed in 2004 by a drunk driver in Denver after returning home from a tour of duty inIraq. "Holidays since the crash are different for us in a number of ways," says Julie Legg. "The music is difficult because when I hear songs like I'll be Home for Christmas, I know that I can only see Kris in my dreams these days."

Thousands of drivers make the deadly decision to drive drunk. Nationally in 2007 nearly 13, 000 people were killed in crashes where a driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or more. The holidays between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day are one of the most dangerous times on the nation's roadways. 13 people died in alcohol-related crashes statewide between Thanksgiving and New Year's in 2007. Stepped-up law enforcement is a critical deterrent for party-goers, and helps stop drunk drivers before they kill or injure others.

The family of Phil Long Dealerships is supporting the awareness campaign by offering all customers who visit any one of their service centers a red ribbon to remind them to drive safe, sober and buckled up and a coupon for a New Year's $9.99 Oil Change. Any Phil Long customers who make a $15 Donation to MADD will receive a MADD DOG stuffed animal. "The family of Phil Long Dealerships is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor for MADD Colorado's Tie One On For Safety campaign," said Jay Cimino, President/CEO of Phil Long Dealerships. We are committed to the safety of all our communities and customers and support safer roads free from drunk driving throughout Colorado."

MADD red ribbons are available at all Phil Long Dealerships and participating northern Colorado State Farm Agents. Individuals or area businesses interested in distributing red ribbons, contact MADD Colorado for details at 303-425-5902, or visit www.madd.org/co.

Founded in 1980, MADD has helped save more than 330,000 lives since its founding. MADD's mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. The organization has approximately 600 MADD affiliates and two million members and supporters nationwide. Twenty-four hour victim assistance is available by calling 1-877- MADD-HELP. For more information, visit www.madd.org.

SOURCE Colorado's Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

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Copyright © 2009, NewsBlaze, Daily News

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