MADD URGES DRIVERS TO TIE ON RED RIBBONS

Mothers Against Drunk Driving are encouraging motorists to tie one on this holiday season -- a red ribbon that is.

MADD began reminding motorists Thursday to act responsibly when drinking, especially around the holiday season, by tying a red ribbon on cars and a sleigh.

Cape Girardeau Police Chief Howard Boyd Jr. and Toni McLain, the mother of a drunk driving fatality, tied a red ribbon Thursday morning on Santa's sleigh at Cape County Park's holiday display.

McLain's son, Russell McLain Jr., 20, was killed in a crash Sept. 16, 1990, in Cape Girardeau.

Thursday's ceremony kicked off this year's annual MADD red ribbon campaign.

MADD is distributing thousands of red ribbons in Cape Girardeau to be tied on a vehicle's antenna, mirror or any other prominent place.

"We've given out about 12,000 so far," said Sharee ~Gallamore of the Cape Girardeau Police Department. "We hope people will see the ribbon and won't drink and drive. We like to remind them of that around the holiday season."

Gallamore said holiday gatherings of friends and family also might include alcohol, so this is a good time for MADD to remind motorists to act responsibly.

"The message is don't drink and drive," Gallamore said. "Of course, that's the message all year long, not just during the holiday season."

The Cape Girardeau Police Department has been tying the red ribbons in conjunction with MADD for six years. Squad cars in the past also sport the red ribbons.

The state chapter of the organization pays for the thousands of ribbons and the local MADD chapter and Cape Girardeau Police Department distribute them.

"We've given them out to hospital employees, city employees and anyone who wants one," Gallamore said. "That starts to add up after a while."

Red ribbons are available at the Cape Girardeau Police Department at 40 S. Sprigg.