For Immediate Release: December 22, 2009

Thruway Authority and MADD Kick Off "Tie One On For Safety" Campaign
Motorists Encouraged to Participate in Annual Anti-DWI Initiative

New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael Fleischer and Lisa Bensinger, Victims Advocate with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), today announced the kickoff of the annual “Tie One On For Safety” campaign. The campaign is designed to remind people of the dangers of drinking and driving and will run from the end of December through the month of January.

“Year after year, the Thruway System is rated one of the safest highways in the nation. As part of the Thruway Authority’s efforts to maintain this standard, educating travelers about the serious dangers of drinking and driving is a priority,” said Executive Director Fleischer. “Motorists must understand that drunk driving is a problem which is preventable. To help get this message across to drivers, Thruway Toll Collectors will again be distributing red ribbons as part of the MADD ‘Tie One On For Safety’ Campaign.”

New York State Police Troop T, whose members patrol the Thruway exclusively, will be out in full force to keep a close watch for intoxicated drivers. However, law enforcement should not be the only deterrent against drunk driving. Motorists are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and not get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

Beginning Wednesday, December 23, 2009, at 3 p.m., approximately 48,000 ribbons will be distributed to motorists at the Woodbury Toll Barrier (near Harriman), Interchange 17 (Newburgh), Interchanges 23 and 24 (Albany area), Interchange B3 (Massachusetts Turnpike), Interchanges 34A, 36 and 39 (Syracuse area), Interchange 46 (Rochester), and at the Williamsville and Lackawanna Toll Barriers (Buffalo area).

“MADD is very pleased to have the continued support of the Thruway Authority in the implementation of our ‘Tie One On For Safety’ campaign,” said Bensinger. “Without its assistance, it would not be possible for us to reach so many people with our lifesaving message. Significant advances have been made in the overall awareness of the dangers of alcohol impaired driving but, the problem still exists. It is imperative that motorists head the warning to not drink and drive.”

MADD was established in 1980 as an advocate for safe automobile driving. The national organization has more than 600 affiliates nationwide, with 18 chapters located throughout New York State. MADD focuses on finding effective solutions to the problems of drunk driving and underage drinking, as well as supporting those who have suffered from the consequences of both.

“The Thruway Authority is pleased to again participate in such a valuable campaign and continues to support MADD in their efforts to combat drinking and driving,” said Fleischer.

All motorists are reminded that at the end of November 2009, Governor David A. Paterson and the New York State Legislature signed into Law the Child Passenger Protection Act, also known as Leandra’s Law.  Leandra’s Law creates a new crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child.  Under the law, an  individual who drives drunk with a child under the age of 16 in the car would be charged with a class E felony and face up to four years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000. 

For more information about Leandra’s Law please visit the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee website at: www.nysgtsc.state.ny.us/alco-ndx.htm#tough. 

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