MADD and Takata Launch Tie One On For Safety Holiday Red Ribbon Campaign in Minnesota to Save Lives

Campaign Aims to Curb Fatalities in Minnesota from Alcohol-Related Crashes and Increase Seat Belt Use During the Holiday Season

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ — For the second consecutive year, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Takata, the world’s largest manufacturer of seat belts, are teaming up to promote safety on the highways and save lives. The 2004 Tie One On For Safety holiday red ribbon campaign encourages motorists in Minnesota to tie a red ribbon to their vehicles as a pledge to themselves and a reminder to other motorists to drive safe and sober, and to always buckle up while in a vehicle.

In the 36 days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve last year, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that 29 people were killed on Minnesota roads in alcohol-related traffic crashes and/or crashes where safety belts were not used. That’s almost one life lost every day as a result of drinking and driving or a failure to buckle up.

"MADD and Takata’s alliance is a natural fit as we are both committed to saving lives and increasing awareness about the need to drive sober and buckled up," said MADD National President Wendy J. Hamilton. "With drunk driving still the nation’s most frequently committed violent crime, we need the public to pledge this holiday season to be part of the lifesaving solution."

The holiday period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve is one of busiest on the nation’s roads, with a high incidence of alcohol-related traffic fatalities and injuries. Last year’s inaugural partnership between MADD and Takata enhanced the Tie One On For Safety holiday campaign with reminders to wear safety belts.

"Crashes continue to be a public health epidemic," said Dr. Jeffrey W. Runge, M.D., NHTSA Administrator. "The good news is that each of us possesses the vaccine to prevent this deadly disease. Always buckling up and driving sober can save countless lives this holiday season and every day."