MADD launches 29th annual “Tie One On For Safety” campaign in advance of the holiday season
(Long Island, NY) Today Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) announced its 29th annual Tie One On For Safety® campaign in advance of the holiday season, asking adults to display a red ribbon in their cars as a reminder to plan ahead for a designated non-drinking driver before holiday celebrations begin. MADD stood with Uber and Assemblymember Michaelle Solages to call on State leaders to pass a bill that would allow ridesharing to operate across New York. Ridesharing services like Uber has been proven to reduce drunk driving in areas where it exists.
“Some of the most dangerous days of the year on our roadways are between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day with more people traveling, an increased number of festivities where alcohol is served, and a surge in drunk driving,” said Richard Mallow, State Executive Director, MADD. “That is why every holiday season MADD asks drivers to display a red ribbon in their cars to remind others to always designate a non-drinking driver. But MADD knows that it takes more to ensure everyone’s safety on the roads this holiday season and beyond. Ridesharing is a proven method of reducing drunk driving incidents and Albany leaders should act now and allow life-saving services to operate in New York.”
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) announced its 29th annual “Tie One On For Safety” campaign. Photo Credit: MADD.
“I am proud to stand with MADD today to raise awareness about the risks of drunk driving,” said Assemblymember Michaelle Solages. “Ridesharing services like Uber would reduce these risks by offering residents of Long Island a reliable and affordable alternative to getting behind the wheel. This means safer roads for everyone in our community. It is time to allow ridesharing across New York State.”
“I commend MADD for raising awareness about the risk of drunk driving,” said Assemblyman Brian Curran. “It is important to offer Nassau County residents more options to get around during the holiday season and all year around. That is why I am supportive of a statewide bill to allow ridesharing in New York State so that services like Uber can help provide residents with an alternative to getting behind the wheel under the influence.”
“Driving under the influence puts everyone on the road in harm’s way,” said Assemblyman Charles Lavine. “It is critical to take steps to reduce this risk and allowing ridesharing on Long Island is a proven way to do just that.”
“We are proud to support MADD’s efforts to raise awareness about the risk of driving under the influence,” said Josh Mohrer, General Manager, Uber NY. “As the Holiday season approaches, the need for more safe transportation options is more pronounced than ever. Uber can make New York State a better, safer place to live by offering residents the ability to get a reliable and affordable ride at the touch of a button, reducing drunk driving throughout the state. Arming people with more options leads to better decision making before hitting the road.”
According to MADD, in 2013, there were more than 350 drunk driving fatalities in New York State, more than 30% of all traffic deaths. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve in 2013, there were 846 drunk driving fatalities across the country.
Uber has been proven to help reduce drunk driving across America. For example, DUI arrests in Seattle decreased by more than 10% after Uber started serving riders and drivers in the city, according to a recent study. A recent independent study conducted by Temple University found cities where Uber operates have 3.6%-5.6% fewer drunk driving deaths than cities without access to ridesharing.
A report by Uber and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) released in January concludes that when empowered with more transportation options like Uber, people are making responsible choices that result in fewer alcohol-related crashes.
Uber also announced that it would amplifying MADD’s Tie One On For Safety® campaign by distributing red ribbons to NYC driver-partners to display in their cars as well as messaging riders to enter a promo code in the Uber app and Uber will donate $1 to MADD NY for every trip they take, anywhere in the U.S.
Started in 1986, Tie One On For Safety® is MADD’s longest running and most visible public awareness project. The name comes from the phrase “tie one on,” which is slang for drinking alcohol. But at MADD we use the phrase to remind everyone that drinking and driving don’t mix.
