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NTTA and MADD Kick Off ‘Tie One On for Safety’ Campaign  Renewing its partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the NTTA joined MADD in a “Home for the Holidays” event in November to launch MADD’s annual “Tie One on For Safety” campaign.
“The NTTA is grateful that organizations like MADD are committed to stopping drunk driving, and the NTTA is proud to be a sponsor of the ‘Tie One on for Safety’ campaign,” said NTTA Assistant Executive Director of Operations Clayton Howe. “We are asking everyone who plans to make alcohol part of their holiday celebration to plan ahead by designating a sober driver or calling a cab.”
NTTA staff is volunteering to distribute MADD’s red ribbons at area holiday events. Drivers are asked to tie the ribbons onto their vehicle antennas or side mirrors as a pledge to not drink and drive and remind others to do the same. Drivers are also encouraged to give the gift of a designated driver this holiday season. Offer to stay sober at family gatherings and holiday gatherings and to safely drive guests and family members home after the festivities have ended.
The NTTA is committed to doing its part to prevent impaired drivers from causing devastating wrong-way accidents by developing and implementing effective countermeasures. Some the steps taken include:
- Installing raised reflective markers in the shape of an arrow to alert drivers to their error if they attempt to enter the tollway using an exit ramp.
- Adding red reflective tape to the backs of signs.
- Using roadway sensors to alert our Command Center if a driver does enter the roadway in the wrong direction.
- Piloting the use of lowered “Wrong Way” signs to catch the attention of impaired drivers who studies show tend to keep their eyes focused lower than sober drivers.
However, the best prevention for drunk driving accidents can’t be found in the toughest police task force or the most advanced detection system. The best prevention comes when people make the decision to designate a sober driver and hand over their keys when they’ve been drinking.
More than 1,000 people are killed in the United States between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day from accidents involving drunk driving. MADD created “Tie One On for Safety,” originally named the Project Red Ribbon campaign, in 1986 to help heighten public awareness about drinking and driving during the holiday season.
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