Dozens of local law enforcement officers and emergency personnel gathered with Mothers Against Drunk Driving officials and political leaders Nov. 28, to salute two decades of MADD’s efforts to eliminate drunk driving.
The ceremony at Olde World Canterbury Village represented the kickoff of the 2006 ‘Tie One On? campaign aimed at educating the public about the dangers of drinking and driving.
On hand for the event were Oakland County MADD President Kevin Wisely and Executive Director Michele Compton, both of whom shared their hopes for a safe holiday season.
Other speakers included Oakland County (District 3) Commissioner Eric Wilson and Therese Scarpace, who spoke from the perspective of a victim of drunk driving.
Compton warned that the ‘war against drunk driving? has seemingly stalled in some sectors of the country, with deaths continuing at a high rate in many states.
‘Each month, more than 1,000 families are forced to live with the consequences of drunk driving,? Compton said. ‘The goal of our organization is to become a nation without drunk driving.?
She alluded to new technology, increased law enforcement and a shared national mindset as methods being employed to target and eliminate drunk drivers.
‘We have the partners and the technology on our side to accomplish this,? said Compton. ‘Eighty-seven percent of people support sobriety checkpoints. We have the public behind us.
‘Our belief is that anyone driving at or above a .08, needs and deserves to have an interlocking device placed in their cars.
‘The best way to stop this behavior is to place these devices in the cars of offenders,? she continued. ‘We aim to make drunk driving a thing of the past.?
Following the ceremony, attendees were provided the traditional ‘Tie One On For Safety? red ribbons to place on their respective vehicles.
Music was provided by Perfect Harmony, a flute duo that featured Janet Mourad and Kristen Baker.
More than 6 million ribbons or ribbon symbols are distributed annually as part of MADD’s campaign.