Dealer boosts MADD seat-belt campaign

newton - McGuire Chevrolet Cadillac is supporting the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) “tie one on for safety” campaign and its message to “drive safe, sober and buckled up.” The popular ribbon program urges motorists to tie a MADD ribbon to their vehicles as a pledge to drive safely on N.J. roadways and buckle up. Each year nearly 17,000 people are killed in alcohol-related crashes n an average of one almost every half-hour. These deaths comprise approximately 39% of the 42,636 total traffic fatalities. In 2004, 270 New Jerseyans were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes, accounting for 37% of all traffic fatalities. This year, the MADD “tie one on for safety” campaign is being sponsored locally by McGuire and many other auto dealerships in New Jersey. Participating dealerships have committed to donate a minimum of $1.50 per car sold, from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, to MADD. McGuire will present two ribbons to each customer who purchases a vehicle from the dealership during the campaign period. Mike McGuire, president of the dealership, said he expects the total donation to reach as much as $600. “Families and friends can stay safe and will enjoy the holidays by using a designated driver, driving sober and buckling up,” said Teresa Stevens, N.J. state executive director for MADD. “We are asking everyone to ‘tie one on for safety’ by tying a ribbon to your car as a reminder to drive safe and buckled up throughout the holiday season and all year long. Anyone will be able to pick up a free ribbon from participating dealerships, such as McGuire Chevrolet Cadillac, throughout the campaign.”