Montpelier, Vt. — The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be collaborating with the Vermont Safe Driver Program this holiday season to display a “Red Ribbon Tree” in six DMV locations around the state from November 10 until the end of the year.
The Red Ribbon Tree is a reminder never to drive impaired or distracted. Each ribbon on the tree represents a person who lost their life on Vermont’s roads and highways due to an impaired or distracted driver.
“These crashes are 100% preventable,” said DMV Interim Commissioner Michael Smith. “There are too many crashes and fatalities caused by impaired and distracted drivers throughout our state. We urge Vermonters to plan ahead, have a sober driver, and drive with their full attention. Please help us keep Vermonters safe on our roads.”
In Vermont, from 2019 to 2023, 56% of fatal vehicle crashes involved an impaired driver (impaired includes both drugs and alcohol), and 237 children were involved in crashes with impaired drivers. In 2023, there were 42 fatalities involving an impaired driver. Between 2019 and 2023, 10.7% of fatal crashes in Vermont involved a distracted driver.
This year, the Red Ribbon Tree Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the Vermont State House in the House Chamber at 12:00 p.m. This event is held annually to remember and honor those who have been injured or killed by impaired and distracted drivers on Vermont’s roads and highways. This is a public event, and all are welcome to attend.
As the holidays approach, drivers should stay safe during this season – and at all times – by planning ahead if they intend to drink or use drugs. They should not wait until after partaking to plan how to get home. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a friend, family member, or rideshare for a sober ride home. And as always, drivers should leave their handheld devices in their bag, console, or back seat to avoid being distracted while driving.
If drivers do partake in drugs or alcohol and are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When someone you know has been drinking or using drugs and is considering driving, be proactive: take away the keys, and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots an impaired driver, contact local law enforcement or the Vermont State Police.
For more information on impaired or distracted driving, visit nhtsa.gov and drivewell.vermont.gov/.