Holden promotes campaign against drunken driving

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Bob Holden and Mothers' Against Drunk Driving want to make sure season stays jolly on Missouri roads.

Holden on Friday joined representatives from MADD to promote safe and sober driving during the holiday season as part of the group's "Tie One on For Safety" campaign.

The effort urges Missourians to tie red ribbons on their vehicles in support of safe and sober driving. Holden and first lady Lori Hauser Holden placed a red ribbon on his state vehicle to show support for MADD's efforts.

"I encourage all Missourians this holiday season to drive responsibly and drive carefully and make sure that people wear their seat belts because they do save lives," Holden said.

Last year, 523 people died in alcohol-related accidents in Missouri, up from 511 in 2000.

"Hopefully this red ribbon will signify to people to be careful and make good decisions and certainly never get behind the wheel after you've been drinking," the first lady said.

In 2001, Missouri lawmakers passed legislation lowering the legal limit for drunken driving to 0.08 percent blood-alcohol content from 0.10 percent.