Red Ribbon reminder: Don't drink and drive

ALBANY — Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has launched its annual "Tie One On For Safety" campaign to raise awareness about the danger of drunk driving. "Drunk driving is a preventable problem," said Thomas Madison, executive director of the New York State Thruway Authority. "To help drive this message home, Thruway toll collectors once again will distribute red ribbons as part of MADD's holiday program." Michele Fonda, MADD program specialist for New York State, said the red ribbons are part of a tradition more than 20 years old, and "are a symbol chosen by MADD to raise public awareness about dangers of impaired driving and to visibly remind and encourage others to take the pledge." Some 35,000 MADD ribbons will be distributed to motorists at Thruway interchanges, including: Exit 15 (Woodbury); 17 (Newburgh); 24 (Albany, Montreal); B3 (Canaan, Mass Pike); 34A (Syracuse, I-481); 36 (Watertown, Binghamton); 46 (Rochester).