11/17/2017
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MADD, NHTSA Urge Everyone to Find a Sober Ride this Thanksgiving Eve
Drunk Driving Claimed 800 Lives over Holiday Weekend from 2012-2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 17, 2017) — Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is reminding the millions of Americans who will travel over the Thanksgiving holiday to plan ahead for a non-drinking driver to get them safely to their destination.
From 2012 to 2016, drunk driving crashes killed more than 800 people over the long Thanksgiving weekend, making it the deadliest holiday on our roads (6 p.m. Wednesday to 5:59 a.m. Monday).
“Thanksgiving is a time for families and tradition, and each of us can do our part to prevent the 100 percent preventable tragedies caused by drunk driving,” said MADD National President Colleen Sheehey-Church, whose 18-year-old son Dustin was killed in a teen drunk and drugged driving crash. “Please take advantage of the many options for getting home safely — a designated, non-drinking driver, rideshare, taxi or public transportation.”
In addition to MADD’s Tie One On… for Safety® red ribbon holiday campaign, MADD joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in urging everyone to “Make It to the Table: Don’t Drink and Drive this Thanksgiving Eve.” On Nov. 22, the day before Thanksgiving, MADD will blitz its social media channels with reminders to plan ahead by designating a non-drinking driver, using public transportation, rideshare or taxi if plans include alcohol.
MADD encourages everyone to spread the word on Nov. 22 and throughout the holiday season by using MADD’s holiday hashtag #HomeForHolidays, along with #buzzeddriving and #designateddriver.
“Thanksgiving Eve is just the beginning of the busy holiday season, and MADD will be out in full support of law enforcement’s efforts to protect our roads through New Year’s Day,” said Sheehey-Church. “Our wish is for everyone to make it home for the holidays.”
To join MADD’s Tie One On For Safety red ribbon campaign and for Safe Party Tips, visit MADD.org/toofs.
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 has helped to save more than 350,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50 percent and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit www.madd.org or call 1-877-ASK-MADD.
