“Tie One On for Safety”

TYLER — Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) East Texas kicks off its 6th annual “Tie One On For Safety” Campaign. Spokespeople say it honors outstanding community leaders and law enforcement for saving lives and being “Difference Makers.” In addition to a Wednesday awards luncheon, the holiday “Tie One On For Safety” PSA campaign urges motorists to tie a MADD red ribbon, place a MADD decal or put a MADD red ribbon magnet on the side of their vehicle as a pledge to “drive safe, sober & buckled up” and remind other motorists to do the same. You can pick up the materials in Tyler at the MADD office, 215 Winchester Drive, or at Julian’s restaurant.

Difference Makers Award Honorees include J. B. Smith, Sheriff of Smith County; R. Scott McKee, District Attorney for Henderson County; and Tammi Branch, Victim Volunteer. MADD East Texas Executive Director Leslie Watson says the soon-to-retire Smith was honored for his ongoing service. Watson says she thinks Smith County “is probably one of the toughest place as far as DWI enforcement.” McKee was given credit for his close work with MADD’s victim advocates — and for serving in Iraq for about ten months, while keeping his DA post and continuing to support MADD. Branch has helped raise funds and handled speaking engagements for MADD since losing her son in a 2009 drunk driving crash. Watson terms Branch “an inspiration and a role model.”

Keynote speaker was Kimberly Earle, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Also attending was Mayor Barbara Bass and other community leaders. MADD leaders point out that Texas continues to lead the nation in drunk driving fatalities. In 2009, 1,235 Texans lost their lives in drunk driving crashes, 40% of the total driving fatalities that year. Drunk driving is a 100% preventable crime.