As Michigan motorists take off for the holidays, Mothers Against Drunk Driving is reminding drivers not to mix booze with navigating roads.
MADD initiated its 15th annual statewide Red Ribbon “Tie One on For Safety” safe and sober driving holiday public awareness campaign Monday at the state Capitol.
Red ribbons will be tied to automobiles to serve as reminders to drive alcohol-free in response to the campaign.
“This is a memorial to families who have lost loved ones to drunk drivers, and it continues to get the public support to enforce the laws tightly,” said Chuck Hurley, a former national board member of MADD and vice president of the National Safety Council.
“Many have likened drunk drivers to terrorists, randomly killing innocent people.”
Hurley said the National Safety Council is predicting 532 people will be killed in traffic accidents during the Thanksgiving Day holiday, and about 40 percent of those deaths will be alcohol related.
“Some events are hard to predict and hard to prevent,” he said. “But we know what will happen.”
East Lansing police Capt. Juli Liebler said she is confident MADD’s efforts will make the roads safer this holiday season.
“They have been very successful in bringing the issue of drunk driving to light, and how serious it is,” she said. “One error in judgment can change several people’s lives.
“We are hopeful we won’t have any alcohol related accidents or deaths in the community.”
Liebler said state grants will make it possible for police to have additional patrols during the holidays.
“Our officers are aware that it is a holiday season and people are out celebrating,” she said.
The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office will step-up patrolling the roads as the holiday season begins, too.
“This serves as a valid reminder as we begin the holiday season when people are on the road traveling to and from loved ones,” said Chief Deputy Vicki Harrison. “If you do indulge, you need to be responsible and turn the keys over to a designated driver.”
Harrison said MADD’s campaign will help promote awareness about drunken driving, making drivers think twice before drinking and driving.
“They have been very successful,” she said. “Most people are sure of what MADD stands for. They have been instrumental in educating the public and community members on the dangers of drinking and driving.”
