MADD Joined by Nebraska’s Governor & First Lady to Help Prevent Drunk Driving

LINCOLN, Neb., Nov. 20 -- Gov. Dave Heineman, R-Neb., issued the following news release:

As we approach the holiday season, a time when people may be celebrating at events where alcohol is served, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Nebraska, Governor Heineman & First Lady Sally Ganem and the Nebraska State Patrol urge adults to plan ahead for a non-drinking designated driver. Today, at the Governor's Residence in Lincoln, MADD, the Governor and First Lady and the head of the NSP urged Nebraskans to Tie One On For Safety and be educated on road safety and making smart, responsible decisions.

Drunk driving deaths typically spike over the holidays. In 2011, between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, 931 people were killed in drunk driving crashes nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).*

According to a new national survey by MADD, 73 percent of adults (21 and older) surveyed said they "have been at an event and seen someone try to drive home after drinking too much."

MADD's Tie One On For Safety red ribbon campaign, now in its 27th year, is the organization's signature public awareness program and is sponsored by National Presenting Sponsor Nationwide Insurance (http://www.xitenow.com/browse.php?u=Oi8vd3d3Lm5hdGlvbndpZGUuY29t&b=5). Drivers across the country display MADD red ribbons on their vehicles as a reminder to plan ahead and designate a non-drinking driver.

"MADD Nebraska encourages Nebraska adults to always designate a non-drinking driver before leaving home for holiday festivities," said Andrea Frazier, Program Manager at MADD Nebraska."We're honored to join with Governor Heineman & First Lady Sally Ganem, along with the Nebraska State Patrol to Tie One On For Safety and help make our communities safer during the holiday season and year-round."

The Tie One On For Safety 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 requiring ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, and for research into technology that could prevent a drunk driver from operating the vehicle.

Frazier added, "Drunk driving remains a primary threat on our roadways. Now, more than ever, we need to remain vigilant in our efforts to eliminate these senseless tragedies by supporting the law enforcement efforts to keep our state safe over the holidays and throughout the year."

MADD's Tie One On For Safety red ribbons are available at the MADD Nebraska State Office or your Omaha and Lincoln area Hy-Vee stores. For more information, visit www.madd.org.

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