Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), The Motorists Insurance Group, a key sponsor of the campaign in Ohio, and other safety advocates gathered Thursday morning to launch the annual “Tie One on for Safety” campaign with a message to drive safe, sober and buckled up.

Bob Kent, whose son and two friends were killed by a drunk driver on Christmas day 2004, shared his story as a reminder that driving drunk affects everyone. The Franklin County DUI Task Force also participated in the event to show law enforcement’s support for the campaign.

This is the 22nd year for the holiday ribbon campaign which encourages motorists to tie the MADD ribbon to their vehicles as a pledge to be safe on the roadways. The campaign also reminds drivers to buckle up, because a seatbelt is the best defense against a drunk driver.

“ ‘Tie One On For Safety’ is MADD's largest public awareness campaign to heighten awareness about the dangerous consequences of drinking and driving over the holidays,” said Doug Scoles, MADDMid-Valley executive director. “We’re pleased to be partnering with the Ohio Department of Public Safety and for The Motorists Insurance Group’s sponsorship. Together, their support and outreach will save lives in Ohio!”

According to ODPS crash statistics, 473 Ohioans were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2007. Of those crashes, 37 of the fatalities occurred between Thanksgiving and New Years. Of those killed in car crashes in 2007, 482 were not wearing their seatbelts.

Local law enforcement around the state are planning more than 13,000 hours of enforcement this holiday season including 18 sobriety checkpoints and more than 3,000 hours of saturation patrols. These efforts are funded and coordinated by OTSO. OSHP will have a visible presence on the state’s highways and OIU will be enforcing liquor laws, including over-serving and underage consumption.