‘Tie One On For Safety’ Campaign Kicks Off in Hawai‘i

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Hawaiʻi urges adults to plan ahead and designate a non-drinking driver, especially since drunk driving deaths typically spike over the holidays. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve in 2016, 891 people were killed in drunk driving crashes nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2016, 34 people were killed in Hawaiʻi in alcohol-related traffic crashes.

MADD’s “Tie One On For Safety” red ribbon campaign, now in its 31st year, is the organization’s signature public awareness program. Drivers across the country display MADD red ribbons on their vehicles as a reminder to plan ahead and designate a non-drinking driver. This year, local partners and sponsors of the program include Drive Aloha, Uber and Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner.

“MADD urges Hawaiʻi residents to lead by example and spread the message to plan ahead and designate a non-drinking driver, take a cab or call a ride-sharing company like UBER” said MADD Hawaiʻi Board Chair Theresa Paulette. “We’re privileged to join forces with our community partners and sponsors to Tie One On For Safety and help make our island roadways safer during the holiday season and year-round.”

The red ribbons also signify support for law enforcement officers, who will be out in force as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. MADD’s campaign to eliminate drunk driving includes support for these types of high-visibility law enforcement efforts, along with support for use of ignition interlocks for arrested drunk drivers and for research into technology that could prevent a drunk driver from operating the vehicle.

MADD Hawaiʻi is fortunate to work with many individuals and organizations to help change attitudes about drinking and driving and support the victims of this violent and 100 percent preventable crime.

“Through legislation, law enforcement and public education we have made great strides but our work is not done until we can put an end to drunk driving,” said Paulette. “We encourage everyone in our community to take a pledge and designate a driver or consider taking a cab or a ride-share vehicle if your holiday festivities include alcohol.”

MADD’s Tie One On For Safety red ribbons are available statewide at the following locations: Hele Gas Sites, Napa Auto Parts Hawaiʻi, Foodland Stores, Aloha Island Marts, Macy’s Ala Moana and Zippy’s Restaurants.

For more information about the national campaign, visit http://www.madd.org.