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  • November 14, 2016
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MADD and Nationwide celebrate 30th Anniversary of Red Ribbon Campaign to Designate a Driver

MADD marks 30 years since starting to popularize the designated driver concept and its red ribbon awareness campaign Tie One On For Safety

11/14/2016

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Dallas, Texas (Nov. 10, 2016) – In honor of the 30th anniversary of its longest-running public awareness campaign, Mothers Against Drunk Driving®, with National Presenting Sponsor Nationwide, are launching Tie One On For Safety®, which was first introduced as Project Red Ribbon in 1986. Also in 1986, MADD started using the term “Designated Driver,” ultimately connecting the concept with the MADD red ribbon. As a part of today’s Tie One On For Safety campaign, MADD is asking drivers across the country to show their commitment to designating a non-drinking driver by displaying a MADD red ribbon or decal on their vehicles available at madd.org/toofs and at select Nationwide agent locations.

“MADD urges drivers to help make our roads safer than ever this holiday season by planning ahead and a designating non-drinking driver if celebrations include alcohol,” said Colleen Sheehey-Church, MADD National President. “We’re honored to join with Nationwide to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Tie One On For Safety and the critical role played by designated drivers everywhere.”

The holidays are one of the most dangerous times on our nation’s roadways, with more people traveling, an increased number of festivities where alcohol is served, and a surge in drunk driving. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve in 2015, there were 973 drunk driving fatalities across the country, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

“We are proud to partner with MADD again this year to take a clear stand against the violent crime of drunk driving this holiday season,” said Bill Windsor, Nationwide Associate Vice President of Consumer Safety. “We hope and look forward to saving hundreds of lives by encouraging everyone across the country to join us in displaying a red ribbon or decal on their cars, and remind people to designate a driver before participating in any activities or events that include alcohol.”

Since MADD’s founding, the organization, its victims and volunteers have tirelessly worked to change the culture of drinking and driving in America and create an understanding that impaired driving is socially unacceptable. A key component has been Tie One On For Safety, which urges the public to plan ahead for a non-drinking designated driver if their plans include alcohol. With so many options today such as Uber, taxis, public transportation and alcohol-free friends or family members, there is no excuse to drink and drive.

To order a free Tie One On For Safety red ribbon or donate for a window decal, visit madd.org/toofs or visit select Nationwide agents. For safe party tips, visit madd.org/safeparty.

About Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD helped to change American culture when it started popularizing the concept of the “designated driver” in 1986 through its related red ribbon awareness campaign Tie One On For Safety® now in its 30th year. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® is marking its 10th anniversary and reducing drunk driving fatalities by 25 percent since its launch. MADD supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, providing a service every four minutes through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Power of Parents® and Power of Youth® programs reduce underage drinking. Learn more by visiting madd.org or calling 1-877-ASK-MADD.

About Nationwide
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. The company provides customers a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, pet, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and specialty health services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide, the Nationwide mark, and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

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