MARYVILLE, Mo. – As people prepare to ring in the New Year, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reminds the public to celebrate responsibly and plan ahead to get home safely.
“Go out and celebrate, have a good time, make memories, but remember responsibly,” said Tabitha Perkins, executive director of MADD Missouri.
Perkins said while the calendar may change, MADD’s mission remains the same: to prevent and deter drunk driving.
This New Year’s Eve, Missouri MADD will celebrate its 30th anniversary with its annual awareness event at the Waterway Car Wash in Brentwood. Volunteers will interact with drivers and tie red ribbons on vehicles to provide a visible reminder of the impact that driving difficulties can have on families and communities.
“We’re going to put a red ribbon on your car,” Perkins said. “We will interact with you in a friendly manner just to remind you of the effects of drinking and driving.”
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The presence of victims and survivors is especially meaningful, she added.
“It is most important that our victims and survivors are able to speak directly to the public and remind them of the impact this incident has had on them,” she added.
The event will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Waterway Richmond Heights, 1200 S. Brentwood Blvd., Richmond Heights, MO 63117.
Law enforcement is also preparing for a busy night.
The St. Louis Police Department said officers will be patrolling the roadways looking for injured drivers.
“Plan ahead,” said Sean Mazzola of SLMPD. “Make sure you have a designated driver. Utilize ride-sharing services.”
Perkins echoed that message, encouraging people to budget to get home safely.
“When you leave your house tomorrow night and you have $50, $60, a couple hundred dollars to go out for the night, please leave some money for sober drivers,” she said. “In today’s society, you push a button on your phone and you can have a shared car park in front of your hotel in five to 10 minutes, and that’s what we encourage everyone to do.”
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