| 揟IE ONE ON FOR SAFETY�
West Trenton , N.J . – Once again this holiday season the New Jersey State Police, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety and MADD join forces in “TIE ONE ON FOR SAFETY” campaign. MADD’s project urges motorists to tie a MADD red ribbon to a visible location on their vehicles as a pledge to drive safe and sober and wear their seat belts, and as a reminder to others to do the same.
“Tie One On For Safety and MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving are aligned with the goals of the State Police, State Office of Highway Traffic Safety, and local police to redouble efforts to prevent and reduce auto fatalities, including those that involve alcohol,” said Teresa S. Stevens, State Executive Director for MADD in New Jersey. “The public can support these goals in so many ways including tying a red MADD ribbon to their vehicles to represent their commitment to roadway safety and a nation without drunk driving.”
Last year during the Thanksgiving holiday there were 16 accidents resulting in 22 fatalities. These numbers indicate that there is plenty of room for improvement, and they should remind holiday travelers to note the importance of safe driving behaviors as they venture out on the roads.
“The numbers from last year’s Thanksgiving holiday confirm to me that New Jerseyans are failing to take safe driving seriously,” Colonel Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said. “There are a number of decisions people have to make while driving, so the first and most important is “SHOULD I BE DRIVING?” The Superintendent explained that driving while intoxicated is not tolerated and will be strictly enforced.
“Last year, the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in the Garden State was particularly deadly,” said Division Director Roberto Rodriguez. “Preventing such crashes is a matter of common sense and obeying the law.”
You will begin to see the MADD ribbons this week as the 2006 Thanksgiving Holiday weekend officially begins at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, November 23 rd and continues through midnight, November 26 th.
Red ribbons are being distributed in New Jersey through sponsoring auto retailers. Locations of 2006 sponsoring dealerships can be found on the MADD NJ website at .
Plan ahead for a safe holiday by using these simple tips:
- Make sure you and your passengers obey the law and buckle up, including youngsters in child passenger or booster seats. It takes seconds, and it’s your best protection against serious injury or death in a crash.
- Be well rested. Drowsy, inattentive driving can lead to crashes. Remember, enzymes in baked turkey cause drowsiness.
- Never drink and drive! It’s against the law and the consequences can be deadly. Make sure to choose a designated driver.
Avoid aggressive driving and report aggressive or impaired drivers by pulling over and dialing #77.
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