2005-43
NEWS RELEASE:   November 16, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM:   The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT:   LT John Eichkorn 785-296-6800

The Patrol Ties on Ribbons for Safety

Kansas MADD Project Red Ribbon targets reduction in drinking and driving

The Kansas Highway Patrol will continue its annual support of Mothers Against Drunk Driving by tying ribbons to agency-owned vehicles this year as part of the “Tie One On For Safety” campaign, Patrol Superintendent Colonel William Seck announced today. Beginning November 20, the Patrol will use the ribbons to show the agency’s zero tolerance toward impaired driving and to remind motorists of the dangers impaired drivers present through the holiday season.

“This ribbon symbolizes our agency’s dedication to stopping intoxicated drivers and the importance of driving safe and sober during the holiday season,” Colonel Seck said. “They also memorialize the lives lost due to the senseless alcohol-related tragedies. I encourage all motorists to tie a MADD ribbon to an antenna, side mirror or door handle, pledging to drive safely.”

This year marks the 19 th anniversary of MADD’s Project Red Ribbon campaign to heighten public attention to drinking and driving during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The traditional red ribbons will be silver this year to commemorate MADD’s 25 th anniversary as an organization. This year’s ribbons also will incorporate the “Buckle Up” and “Don’t Drink and Drive” logos, along with the anniversary theme, “MADD Celebrates Life.”

According to Kansas MADD, about 20,000 individuals are arrested each year in Kansas for driving while intoxicated. During 2004, Kansas recorded 3,323 alcohol-related crashes involving more than 6,500 individuals, resulting in 116 deaths and 2,007 injuries. About one-third of individuals killed and one-half of those injured were not the drinking driver, according to Kansas MADD. During the 2004 Thanksgiving holiday, there were 49 alcohol-related crashes that resulted in 14 injuries and three fatalities.

Agencies that participated in the training included: Augusta Department of Safety, Brown County Sheriff's Department, Chapman Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriff's Department, Chicago, Ill. Police Department, Dodge City Police Department, Doniphan County Sheriff's Department, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Finney County Sheriff's Office, Ford County Sheriff's Office, Garden City Police Department, Geary County Sheriff's Office, Illinois State Police, Iowa State Patrol, Jackson County Sheriff's Department, Junction City Police Department, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Highway Patrol, Nemaha County Sheriff's Department, Newton Police Department, Nickerson Police Department, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Saline County Sheriff's Office, Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office, Topeka Police Department, Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office and Wichita Police Department.