Personal Story Reinforces Drive Safe, Sober, and Buckled Up Campaign

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), key sponsor Motorists Insurance Group in Ohio, law enforcement from around the state and other safety advocates have launched the annual "Tie One on for Safety" campaign with a message to drive safe, sober and buckled up. Randy Young, whose daughter was killed in a drunk driving crash on December 21, 1990, shared his story as a reminder that driving drunk affects everyone.

This is the 25th year for the holiday ribbon campaign, which encourages motorists to tie the MADD ribbon to their vehicles as a pledge to be safe on the roadways. The campaign also reminds drivers to buckle up, because a seatbelt is the best defense against a drunk driver.

"For 25 years, MADD has held our annual holiday red ribbon campaign, asking people throughout Ohio and nationwide to Tie One On For Safety in support of our heroes in law enforcement," said Doug Scoles, MADD Ohio executive director. "Display a MADD red ribbon on your vehicle to demonstrate your commitment to make our vision of a nation without drunk driving a reality."

According to ODPS crash statistics, in Ohio last year 431 people were killed in 393 alcohol-related crashes, with 41 of those deaths occurring between Thanksgiving and New Year's.

"I urge everyone to display a red ribbon and make good, sound decisions when it comes to safe and sober driving this holiday season," said ODPS Director Thomas P. Charles. "Drunk driving has serious consequences, but together with our safety partners we can help reduce deaths and injuries now and throughout the year."

All of ODPS' divisions are working to remind people to drive safe and sober. The Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS), OSHP and local law enforcement are using stepped up enforcement and educational efforts to prevent injuries and deaths. Law enforcement representatives from DUI Task Forces around the state, including Franklin County, attended the event in support of the campaign. Local Deputy Registrars for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles are passing out the red ribbons throughout the campaign and the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) will continue its focus on over-serving and underage consumption.

Local law enforcement around the state are planning more than 3,300 hours of enforcement this holiday season, including 13 sobriety checkpoints and more than 1,200 hours of saturation patrols. These efforts are funded and coordinated by OCJS. OSHP will have a visible presence on the state's highways and OIU will be enforcing liquor laws.

"We are urging motorists to make smart decisions — plan ahead and designate a sober driver or call a taxi to ensure that everyone makes it home safe," said Colonel John Born, Ohio State Highway Patrol superintendent. "If everyone does their part, fatalities caused by motor vehicle crashes will continue to decline and save many families from the heartache of losing a loved one.