Plan Ahead To Save Lives This New Year's -- Designate A Sober Driver!

CDOT partnering with MADD Colorado and CSP in Red Ribbon Campaign for Holiday DUI Crackdown

DENVER, Dec. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This New Year's Eve, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will join Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Colorado and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) to conclude the 2012 holiday crackdown on drunk driving by calling on Colorado residents to Tie One On For Safety®.

MADD's Tie One On For Safety red ribbon campaign, now in its 26th year, is the organization's signature public awareness project. Drivers display MADD red ribbons on their vehicles as a reminder to drive safe and sober, and in support of Colorado law enforcement officers, who will be out in force as part of the national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign.

"If every New Year's holiday motorist in Colorado would resolve to make the smart driving choice today—and everyday—to not drink and drive, that would truly be a positive resolution that would prevent crashes, injuries and save lives," said Colonel James Wolfinbarger, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "Do the right thing, the safe thing when celebrating with alcohol—always designate a sober driver and buckle up."

During last year's holiday season, there were more than 1,200 DUI arrests with 376 of those occurring during the New Year's Eve enforcement period. So far this year, law enforcement agencies across the state have already made more than 800 DUI arrests. 

"If you plan to celebrate with alcohol, think about planning your ride home as part of your party preparations," said Fran Lanzer, MADD Colorado Development Officer. "If you're going to a party, you're already making lots of plans: what you're going to wear, what gift to bring, if you need to get a babysitter, and so on. Make sure you plan ahead for a safe way home too."

Tie One On For Safety is presented locally by Bell & Pollock, PC. "This campaign is a great way for concerned citizens to get involved and raise awareness about the importance of safe driving during the holidays," said Brad Pollock, Founding Partner. "The law firm of Bell & Pollock is proud to be MADD Colorado's Victim Services Sponsor and we join MADD Colorado in calling on people to plan ahead for a safe ride home tonight."

This year, Metro Taxi has also joined as a local supporting sponsor. "As recent headlines have proven, tragedy can strike anywhere, anytime. We hope that during this busy holiday season people remember that any impaired driving tragedy is completely avoidable by leaning on trained Metro Taxi drivers to drive people home safely," said Metro Taxi Operations Manager Bobby McBride. "Our free smartphone app makes it simple and easy to have a cab at your service quickly and remove the danger of impaired driving."

Red ribbons are available throughout the state at Colorado State Patrol Offices as well as at front range locations of Community Banks of Colorado, and Groove Automotive dealerships. To find out where to get red ribbons or to make a donation to support MADD Colorado's programs and services, please visit www.madd.org/co.

For more information about the Heat Is On, the latest enforcement plans, and arrest results, visit www.HeatIsOnColorado.com. To learn about resources to help you plan ahead this New Year's Eve, including information about free public transit, cab fare, and overnight parking, visit www.PlanAheadColorado.com.

To receive real-time updates about road conditions in your area, visit www.coloradodot.info and click on the green cell phone icon in the upper right hand corner of the page. Information about weekly lane closures will be available at www.coloradodot.info/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and be sure to "Like" our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/coloradodot.

SOURCE Mothers Against Drunk Driving Colorado