2007-60
PRESS RELEASE:  November 196, 2007
FROM:   The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: Lieutenant John A. Eichkorn (785) 296-6800
Technical Trooper Edna Buttler (785) 296-6800

Patrol Ties on Red Ribbons for Safety

During November and December, spirits are high, celebrations abound, and travel increases. Unfortunately, impaired driving is usually on the rise, as well. That's why the Kansas Highway Patrol is tying a red ribbon to each agency-owned vehicle as part of the Project Red Ribbon Tie One On For Safety campaign, sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Tie One On For Safety asks motorists to tie a red ribbon to each of their vehicles as a pledge to drive safe, sober, and buckled up during the holidays. Beginning November 19, the Patrol will display the ribbons to show the agency's zero tolerance of impaired driving.

Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent Colonel William Seck said, "The Patrol is dedicated to apprehending impaired drivers and educating the public about the dangers of impaired driving throughout the year. Tying red ribbons to our vehicles is an outward sign of our commitment to help provide a safe environment for all who travel in Kansas during the holidays."

According to MADD, 17,602 people died last year in alcohol-related crashes on our nation's highways, of which 13,470 involved a driver with an illegal BAC (.08 or higher). Nationwide, more than 1,000 people die between Thanksgiving and New Year's in drunk driving crashes each year. In Kansas last year, 108 of the 468 traffic deaths (23 percent) were alcohol-related, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. Preliminary numbers statewide indicate five people died and another 80 were injured in alcohol-related crashes during the Thanksgiving, (Wednesday, November 22 through Sunday, November 26), Christmas, (Friday, December 22 through Monday, December 25), and the 2007 New Year's holiday (Friday, December 29, 2006 through Monday, January 1, 2007) reporting periods combined. (2007 data included in the New Year's holiday statistics are not yet official and are subject to change.)

Tie One On For Safety also promotes the use of seat belts because they're the best defense against an impaired driver. Sixty percent of those killed in traffic crashes in Kansas last year were not buckled up.

The Patrol reminds motorists to not drink and drive, do not let your friends or family members drive drunk, and never ride with someone who has been drinking. If you consume alcohol, call a friend, family member, or taxi service for a sober ride home, or make plans to have a sober ride home before going to holiday parties.

MADD ribbons are available free of charge and while supplies last at Kansas Highway Patrol troop headquarter facilities throughout the state. Those locations can be found online at www.KansasHighwayPatrol.org Any red ribbon 18 inches in length can also be used by those wishing to demonstrate a zero tolerance of impaired driving.