The holidays are special times, and for some of us they are especially painful times. Glasses raised in merriment and cheer can shatter hopes and dreams. drinking and driving don’t mix.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving Newberry County would like you to join in our 25th “Tie One On For Safety” campaign. Please tie a red ribbon on a visible location of your vehicle as a simple reminder to pass the keys if you have been drinking, and as a symbol of hope for a less violent holiday season. We want to change the meaning of “Tie One On.”

Below you will find four easy tips that could help save lives over the holidays.

1. Be a responsible host if you are having a holiday party. Have plenty of good and nonalcoholic beverages available. Don’t push alcohol on guests to loosen them up.

2. Assign designated drivers. Make sure that one person in a group is assigned the duty to refrain from drinking alcohol and will be responsible for driving others home.

3. Don’t think a drunken guest will probably be okay to drive home. Have your guest stay over or arrange transportation.

4. Bring out hot chocolate, coffee and offer deserts in the middle of the party.

MADD Newberry County’s 2012 “Tie One On for Safety” campaign urges motorists to tie a MADD red ribbon to a visible location on their vehicles. The ribbon is a symbol to drive safe, sober and buckled-up, and it reminds us to do the same.

Join us for the 25th Red Ribbon Service and Candlelight Vigil of Hope and Remembrance Friday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Main Street, Newberry.

MADD Newberry County Action Team

(Margaret Brackett, Coordinator)

Margaret Brackett

Coordinator, MADD Newberry County