RADD, California Colleges Drive Home Designated Driver Message With Help From 2012 RADD Scion xB

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The award winning non-profit RADD, the Entertainment Industry's Voice for Road Safety, hosted the RADD Spirit Awards at the Belasco Theatre on Wednesday to honor outstanding colleges, corporations, agencies, and individuals for promoting the RADD Rewards designated driver program during 2010-2011.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110915/LA69698)

RADD also unveiled the new custom wrapped "RADD Scion", donated by Toyota Motor Sales USA.  The 2012 Scion xB outfitted with an Alpine premium audio with navigation system also features a design of a message promoting road safety along with the RADD logo.  The RADD Scion xB will be housed at UC Irvine and driven by RADD Crew (peer educators) to outreach events at partnering campuses throughout the state.

"Driving the message of responsible road safety to RADD campuses across California is one more example of Toyota's commitment to reducing the rate of fatalities and crashes among young drivers," said Michael Rouse, Toyota's vice president of philanthropy and community affairs.

RADD supporters gathered for a press conference and awards ceremony preceding the quarterly meeting of the RADD California Coalition.  The event marked the successful conclusion of a two-year grant cycle focused on college communities and their hospitality zones across California as well as the celebration of a new grant beginning October 1st from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

Prominent milestones included distribution of over 35,000 RADD Rewards Cards to younger adults ages 21/+, and the recruitment of 150 new bars and restaurants, bringing the statewide total of RADD Retail Rewards Partners up to 175.

Nine California colleges and universities received awards commending best practices demonstrated by their campus initiatives.  An additional 11 partners -- agencies, nonprofits, hospitality venues, individuals and corporations -- were recognized for their unique contributions to RADD's DUI-prevention program.  [See complete list below]

Further commemorating RADD's accomplishments, the press conference featured statements from Jacob Appelsmith, California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Director and Senior Advisor to Governor Brown; Christopher J. Murphy, Director, California Office of Traffic Safety; and Doug Everhart, Interim Director and Alcohol Programs Manager, UC Irvine Health Education Center.  

RADD President Erin Meluso congratulated all honorees, "thanks to their generosity, we've formed a circle of safety – committed colleges, responsible venues, regulators and traffic safety advocates – working together to reduce DUIs and further California's vision of Toward Zero Deaths on state roads."

Honoree Christopher J. Murphy, Director of California Office of Traffic Safety expressed his appreciation for being recognized for supporting RADD's efforts: "RADD has always been a great partner in the fight against drunk and drugged driving, particularly in reaching those most vulnerable, the 18 to 34 year olds."

In California during 2009, there were 617 victims between the ages of 18 and 34 killed as a result of a DUI crash.  RADD combats drunk driving by collaborating with universities, businesses and government agencies to reward non-drinking designated drivers and cab riders.  The "RADD Rewards" for responsible behavior include incentives like free food, soft drinks and priority event admission.  Through its OTS grant, RADD provides its colleges and university partners with resources to increase education and awareness about traffic safety.

About Toyota:

Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants.  Toyota directly employs nearly 34,000 in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design.  Toyota is committed to being a good corporate citizen in the communities where it does business and believes in supporting programs with long-term sustainable results.  Toyota supports numerous organizations across the country, focusing on education, the environment and safety.  Since 1991, Toyota has contributed more than $500 million to philanthropic programs in the U.S.  For more information on Toyota's commitment to improving communities nationwide, visit www.toyota.com/about/philanthropy.

About RADD:

RADD, "The Entertainment Industry's Voice for Road Safety," (formally known as Recording Artists, Actors and Athletes Against Drunk Driving), is an internationally recognized non-profit organization that empowers media partners, celebrities and socially conscious supporters to create positive and contagious attitudes about road safety.  Operating for almost 25 years since 1986, RADD's messages are non-judgmental, hip and positive.  Best known for "Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk," RADD is a proud two-time recipient of the U.S. Department of Transportation's prestigious Public Service Award.  Past supporters of RADD activities include Oprah Winfrey's 'No Phone Zone' Project, Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani, the Black Eyed Peas, Jessica Alba, James Cameron, Steven Tyler, John Mayer, Ryan Seacrest, Eve, Nick Lachey, Marc Anthony, Nick Cannon, Faith Hill, Elton John, Leann Rimes, Paul Walker, Tony Hawk and more.  Visit: www.radd.org and www.collegeisRADD.org

This program is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

RADD SPIRIT AWARD WINNERS - 2011

September 14, 2011, 1-3 pm, Belasco Theater

RADD Spirit Award Winners for 2011 are as follows, in order of presentation:

• State Agency Spirit – The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
• Retailer Spirit (RADD Retail Rewards Partners)
  • Hotel & Lodging: Standard, Downtown LA
  • Upscale Lounge: The Edison
  • Sports Grill/Casual Venue: PB Shore Club
  • Multiple Venues:  213 Downtown
• Organization Partner Spirit - PB DUI Hospitality Task Force of Discover PB
• Nonprofit Spirit - Downtown LA Art Walk
• City Agency Spirit - LAPD Vice
• Individual Spirit - Elizabeth Peterson, EPGLA President and RADDinDTLA Committee Chair
• Vision Award for 2011 - Christopher J. Murphy, Director, California Office of Traffic Safety
• College Spirit:
  • SACRAMENT-DAVIS: CSU Sacramento ("Sac State"), UC Davis  
  • LOS ANGELES: USC
  • ORANGE COUNTY: UC Irvine, CSU Fullerton
  • SAN DIEGO COUNTY: UC San Diego, USD, SDSU, CSU San Marcos
• Corporate Spirit - Toyota Motor Sales, USA

SOURCE RADD