DENVER, Nov. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Colorado’s Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) announced its 24th annual Tie One On For Safety red ribbon campaign, which offers citizens a way to show support for solutions to drunk driving such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s national crackdown: Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. and Colorado’s Heat is On holiday enforcement.

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 third anniversary of MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, which makes increased high-visibility law enforcement a priority.

MADD Colorado will be kicking off its annual Tie One On For Safety campaign at the Denver premiere of “ClarkWORLD” on December 10th at the Starz FilmCenter, and ticket proceeds will benefit MADD Colorado. “ClarkWORLD”, written and directed by filmmaker, Deren Abram (now a Denver resident), is a heartwarming and poignant documentary film about Abram’s friend and mentor, Bob Clark, the film director of the holiday classic “A Christmas Story.” Bob Clark and his 22-year-old son, Ariel, died April 4, 2007 in a drunk driving crash.

“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.”

Thousands of drivers make the deadly decision to drive drunk. Nationally in 2008, 11,773 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. In 2008, 24 people died in alcohol-related crashes statewide between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Stepped-up law enforcement is a critical deterrent for party-goers, and helps stop drunk drivers before they kill or injure others.

“The law firm of Bachus & Schanker is proud to be MADD Colorado’s 2009 Statewide Sponsor. The Tie One On For Safety campaign is a great way for concerned citizens to get involved and raise awareness about the importance of safe driving during the holidays,” says Darin Schanker, Founding Partner of Bachus & Schanker. “We are committed to the safety of all our communities and support safer roads free from drunk driving throughout Colorado.”

MADD red ribbons are available at the MADD Colorado State Office. Individuals or area businesses interested in distributing red ribbons can contact MADD Colorado for details at 303-425-5902, or visit www.madd.org/co.

Founded in 1980, MADD has helped save more than 383,000 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 Mothers Against Drunk Driving Colorado

read ViaBreitbart