MADD and Nationwide Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Designated Driver and Red Ribbon Campaign
Dallas, Texas (PRWEB) November 14, 2016 -- In honor of the 30th anniversary of Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) popularizing the “Designated Driver” concept starting in 1986, the organization and National Presenting Sponsor Nationwide are launching their annual red ribbon Tie One On For Safety® campaign. The concept changed the culture of drinking and driving in America and created an understanding that impaired driving is socially unacceptable. As a part of the campaign, MADD is asking drivers across the country to show their commitment to protecting the public from drunk driving by displaying MADD’s Tie One On For Safety red ribbon or decal on their cars available at madd.org/toofs and at select Nationwide agent locations.
“MADD urges drivers to help make our roads safer than ever this holiday season by planning ahead and a designating non-drinking driver if celebrations include alcohol,” said Colleen Sheehey-Church, MADD National President. “We’re honored to join with Nationwide to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Tie One On For Safety and the critical role played by designated drivers everywhere.”
The holidays are one of the most dangerous times on our nation’s roadways, with more people traveling, an increased number of festivities where alcohol is served, and a surge in drunk driving. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve in 2015, there were 973 drunk driving fatalities across the country, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
“We are proud to partner with MADD again this year to take a clear stand against the violent crime of drunk driving this holiday season,” said Bill Windsor, Nationwide Associate Vice President of Consumer Safety. “We hope and look forward to saving hundreds of lives by encouraging everyone across the country to join us in displaying a red ribbon or decal on their cars, and remind people to designate a driver before participating in any activities or events that include alcohol.”
In 1986, MADD introduced the designated driver and its longest-running annual public awareness campaign, Tie One On For Safety, to urge the public to plan ahead to have a designated driver if plans include alcohol. With so many options today such as Uber, taxis, public transportation and alcohol-free friends or family members, there is no excuse to drink and drive.
To order a free Tie One On For Safety red ribbon or donate for a window decal, visit madd.org/toofs or visit select Nationwide agents. For safe party tips, visit madd.org/safeparty.
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD changed American culture by popularizing the “designated driver” and related red ribbon awareness campaign Tie One On For Safety® now in its 30th year. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® is marking its 10th anniversary and reducing drunk driving fatalities by 25 percent since its launch. MADD supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, providing a service every four minutes through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Power of Parents® and Power of Youth® programs reduce underage drinking. Learn more by visiting madd.org or calling 1-877-ASK-MADD.
About Nationwide
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. The company provides customers a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, pet, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and specialty health services. For more information, visit http://www.nationwide.com.
Nationwide, the Nationwide mark, and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
Ali Fatima, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, http://www.madd.org/powerofyouth, +1 9724893713, [email protected]
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