RIPTA DRIVERS AND EMPLOYEES JOIN MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING (MADD) FOR HOLIDAY RED RIBBON CAMPAIGN
November 12, 2015
Look for the red ribbons!
Hundreds of bus drivers will be wearing red ribbons next week as the
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) asks all employees to participate in the 29TH
annual “Tie One on for Safety” campaign
sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The campaign,
which asks adults to display red ribbons on their cars, is intended to
remind people to designate a non-drinking driver before the holidays
begin.
“We’re
very excited to partner with MADD on this important campaign,”
said Barbara Polichetti, Director of Public Affairs for RIPTA. “By
wearing the ribbons, our drivers can help remind people to behave
responsibly and be safe. Our drivers are on the road day and night, so
it’s an issue that’s particularly important here at
RIPTA as we want to help keep our passengers, the public and our staff
safe this holiday season.” Polichetti added that all of RIPTA’s nearly
800 employees will be asked to don the ribbons for the week beginning,
Monday, November 16, 2015.
According
to statistics provided by MADD, the holidays are one of the
most dangerous times of the year on our nation’s roadways, due to
increased travel as well as an increased number of events where alcohol
is served. Eric
Creamer, Rhode Island Executive
Director for MADD, said that between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve
2013, there were 846 drunk driving fatalities across the country. “We
thought that partnering with RIPTA would be a perfect fit,” Creamer
said. “Their drivers interact with thousands of
people every day and also public transportation is a reminder that there
are other options than getting behind the wheel if you’ve been at a
holiday celebration.”
RIPTA
is also reminding the public that MADD RI is hosting
a special event – “Strike Out Drunk Driving bowling weekend – on
November 21 and November 22 which will raise funds to benefit victims of
accidents involving drunk driving as well as support
youth programs. For more details on the event, please visit: http://www.madd.org/local-offices/ri/events/strike-out-drunk-driving.html.
For more information on RIPTA services, please call 401-781-9400 or visit www.ripta.com.