Thruway Authority and MADD kick off 'Tie One On For Safety' campaign

Motorists urged to join annual anti-DWI initiative

(Via readMedia) The annual "Tie One On For Safety" campaign of Mothers Against Drunk Driving was announced today by Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Thomas J. Madison and Michele Fonda, MADD program specialist for New York state.

The campaign, designed to remind people of the dangers of drinking and driving, runs through the end of January.

"Drunk driving is a preventable problem," Madison said. "To help drive this message home, thruway toll collectors once again will distribute red ribbons as part of MADD's holiday program."

"These red ribbons, which are part of a more than 20-year tradition, are a symbol chosen by MADD to raise public awareness about dangers of impaired driving and to visibly remind and encourage others to take the pledge," Fonda said.

Approximately 35,000 MADD ribbons will be distributed to motorists at the following thruway interchanges: Exit 15 (Woodbury); Exit 17 (Newburgh); Exit 24 (Albany, Montreal); Exit B3 (Canaan, Mass Pike); Exit 34A (Syracuse, I-481); Exit 36 (Watertown, Binghamton); Exit 39 (Syracuse, I-690); Exit 46 (Rochester, Corning); and Exit 55 (Lackawanna).

"It is so important that we remember the lives lost to impaired drivers over the holidays, while also doing all that we can to save other families from the pain of losing loved ones to this 100-percent preventable crime," Fonda said. "MADD is committed to working with our partners in the community and heroes in law enforcement to deter drunk drivers from making their way onto our roadways."

MADD was established in 1980 to advocate safe automobile driving. The national organization has more than 600 affiliates nationwide, with 18 chapters throughout New York. MADD focuses on finding effective solutions to the problems of drunk driving and underage drinking, as well as supporting those who have suffered from the consequences of both.

Troop T will conduct a fixed sobriety checkpoint during the New Year's holiday period, now through Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012.

For more information about MADD, visit www.madd.org.