GLEN ALLEN, Va. -- Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, there is an awareness campaign to prevent drunk driving. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Nationwide launched the 28th annual 'Tie One On For Safety' initiative.
The red ribbons being tied to vehicles, stand as a reminder to drive safe and sober this holiday season and throughout the year.
There was a strong showing of support by law enforcement from all across the state for today's campaign launch. Officers are warning, there will an increase in those patrolling the roadways during the busy holiday travel season.
Between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve in 2012, nearly 1,091 people were killed in drunk driving crashes nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
A total of 140 people were killed in drunk driving crashes during the New Year's Holiday alone in 2012.
Virginia State Attorney General Mark Herring was in attendance today. He said the message was simple 'if you pick up a glass, put down your keys.'
"Driving under the influence is an action and a crime that is 100-percent preventable," AG Herring added. "If you drink don't drive you will have 0-percent chance of causing a DUI related accident."
Mr. Herring recommends calling a cab or having a designated driver, if you decide to drink.
Chris Konschak with MADD said, "Our efforts in Virginia are working. The alcohol related fatalities were lower last December than any other month of the year. But, 13 people still senselessly lost their life in December. Nineteen were killed in November and 20 in January. Until that number is '0' we have more working to do."
Beginning December 1 to 15, MADD supporters and drunk driving victims can post an image of how they displayed their MADD red ribbon with #myMADDribbon on Facebook and Twitter.
For more information click here.
If you suspect someone is driving and driving, you can call Virginia State Police from your cell phone by dialing *77.
