Northbrook car wash joins MADD campaign

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is conducting its annual "Tie One On For Safety" campaign.

Northbrook residents and surrounding communities can show their commitment to protecting the public from the dangers of drunken driving and their support of law enforcement's efforts to do the same by displaying a MADD Tie One On For Safety red ribbon or decal on their cars.

In conjunction with this nationwide public awareness campaign, MADD Illinois - along with Waterway Carwash - will host a local "Tie One on for Safety" event Thursday, Dec. 31, urging area residents to be safe during the holiday and throughout the year by designating a non-drinking driver if their celebrations include alcohol.

MADD staff and volunteers will distribute MADD red ribbons and decals from noon to 2 p.m. at Waterway Carwash, 2300 Waukegan Road, in Northbrook. Northbrook Police and Fire Department representatives will be in attendance to show their support for this cause.

Waterway Carwash will be accepting customer donations on behalf of MADD through Dec. 31. Donations go to MADD Illinois, victim services, prevention, awareness and educational programs.

"It takes more than a handful of people making safe choices to ensure everyone's safety on the roads this holiday season and beyond. MADD Illinois urges Northbrook and other area residents to lead by example and spread the message to plan ahead with a designated, non-drinking driver when celebrations include alcohol," said Sam Canzoneri, state executive director for MADD Illinois. "We're honored to join with Waterway Carwash to Tie One On For Safety and help make our communities safer during the holiday season and year-round."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 945 drunken driving deaths across the country between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve in 2014.

As MADD's longest-running public awareness campaign, "Tie One On For Safety" dates back almost to the organization's founding in 1980. The annual effort reinforces the importance of utilizing a designated driver.

Law enforcement will be working harder than ever this holiday season to protect the public from the dangers of drunken driving through the use of high-visibility checkpoints and enforcement efforts. By displaying a red ribbon on their cars this holiday season, adults are also showing their support for the tireless work law enforcement does on a daily basis to keep our roadways safe.

To order a MADD red ribbon or decal visit madd.org/toofs. For safe party tips, visit madd.org/safe-party.