MADD is reminding all New England drivers – this holiday season and always – to plan ahead for a safe ride if their festivities include alcohol . MADD is launching its 35th Annual Designated Driver Campaign , called Tie One On for Safety ( TOOFS ), and asking adults to display a red ribbon on their vehicles as a reminder to plan ahead for a designated non - drinking driver before holiday celebrations begin . The holidays are one of the most dangerous times on our nation ’ s roadways , with more people traveling , an increased number of festivities where alcohol is served , and a surge in drunk driving . From 6 p . m . Thanksgiving Eve through New Year ’ s Eve in 2019 , there were 926 drunk driving fatalities across the country , accounting for 29 % of all traffic fatalities ( NHTSA 2020 ). In addition , preliminary estimates show a 9 % increase in drunk driving deaths in 2020 , and a study by NHTSA shows an alarming increase in the presence of alcohol and other drugs among traffic crash victims during the COVID - 19 pandemic . MADD thanks all law enforcement personnel who will be working harder than ever this holiday season to protect the public from drunk driving through increased patrols and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement efforts . MADD appreciates their enforcement through high - visibility checkpoints and saturation patrols to keep our roadways safe . MADD is grateful for the partnership of its National Tie One On for Safety presenting sponsor , Waymo . Because of the work of strategic partners like Waymo , MADD is confident that reaching a future of NO MORE VICTIMS is attainable . But to get there , we will need everyone to join in our lifesaving work by making plans before the festivities begin , designating a non - drinking , non - consuming driver and buckling up this holiday season .
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