Siddall, Inc. Launches “Don’t Blow It” Campaign for Mothers Against Drunk Driving Virginia
Richmond, Va., June 29, 2012 – Today Siddall, Inc. announced the launch of a social media and public relations campaign called “Don’t Blow It” on behalf of Mothers Against Drunk Driving® Virginia (MADD VA). Siddall designed the campaign to increase awareness of a new Virginia law requiring the use of ignition interlocks for first-time convicted drunk drivers beginning July 1. Governor Bob McDonnell signed the law making those convicted of drunk driving use a breathalyzer to operate their cars.
“Impaired driving costs Virginia $863 million in medical and work loss costs each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),” said Christopher R. Konschak, manager of MADD VA. “Ignition interlocks will help reduce the 1,000 Virginia deaths each year due to preventable motor vehicle incidents.”
Siddall designed the “Don’t Blow It” campaign to reach men aged 18-34 who are most responsible for drunk driving and more likely to use social media. A central component of the initial phase of the campaign is a social media toolkit which will be available to MADD VA advocates and others who want to join the cause. The toolkit features sharable new media content including a humorous video highlighting the social pressure to drive safely and an infographic with factoids about the dangers of impaired driving. All materials will rally support for and educate the general public about the new law. To gain access to the toolkit, submit your email address here: www.dontblowitva.com.
According to a 2011 report from the CDC, ignition interlocks reduce re-arrest rates by a median of 67%. CDC recommends widespread use of interlocks for first-time convictions to prevent impaired-driving crashes. In 2009, nearly one-third of all traffic deaths involved impaired drivers.
“In keeping with our mission to give back to the community, Siddall is pleased to match the MADD VA contract value with in-kind professional services,” said John Siddall, chairman of Siddall, Inc. “We have promoted driver safety for more than 20 years and employ some of the top minds in social media so supporting this worthy cause is a natural fit.”
Siddall would like to thank two long-time local partners for their assistance with this phase of the campaign. Rare Studio helped to design the website andPark Group assisted with video direction and production. Both organizations donated considerable time and energy to this project.
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