Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Southeast Michigan kicks off its 23rd annualTie One On for Safety(TOOFS) campaign with their life saving message to drive safe, sober and bucked up this holiday season at the kick-off event being held Friday, December 4, 2009.

“MADD’s message this holiday season is life saving. MADD’s Tie One On for Safety campaign comes at a critical time in the year when road travel is the heaviest and there are higher occurrences of alcohol-related crashes and traffic fatalities increase between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve,” said Homer Smith, executive director of MADD Michigan.

“Each year nationally, close to 1,000 people typically die during Thanksgiving to New Year’s in alcohol-related crashes,” said Smith.

“MADD’s efforts in Michigan have made great strides by reducing traffic fatalities in 2008 by eight percent over 2007. We have made great progress in reducing injuries and fatalities and we want to prevent even more injuries and fatalities this holiday season,” said Smith.

MADD’s mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims and prevent underage drinking. In 2008, MADD served more than 53,000 victims/survivors of drunk driving. MADD is a 501 (c) (3) charity with approximately 300 offices and 2 million members and supporters nationwide. Founded in 1980, MADD has helped save more than 330,000 lives. For more information, visit www.madd.org/mi/semichigan or call the Southeast Michigan Affiliate office at 586.997.6504. Twenty-four hour victim assistance is available by calling 1.800.323.6233.