Super Bowl weekend was filled with parties, crowded bars, and friendly rivals. This year, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Crazy Billy’s partnered to make sure that it was filled with awareness too. Crazy Billy’s Fine Wine & Liquors, the well known business located at 1887 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, handed out red "don’t drink & drive" ribbons to customers that weekend as part of an ongoing public awareness campaign. The campaign reminded residents and party-goers not to "drink and drive," especially during Super Bowl weekend.

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 17,000 people died last year nationwide from drunk driving accidents – an average of almost one every half-hour. During last year’s Super Bowl weekend, over 54 percent of the traffic fatalities reported were alcohol-related.

"The Crazy Billy’s family wants you to remember that designating sober drivers or finding safe alternative transportation are great ways to ensure that your holiday evenings end as safely as they begin," said Patti Peterson, owner of Crazy Billy’s Fine Wine & Spirits.

As part of the awareness drive, Crazy Billy’s provided customers with red ribbons from MADD’s nationwide "Tie One On For Safety" holiday ribbon campaign. The campaign encourages motorists to tie the ribbon to their vehicles as a pledge to drive safe and sober during the holiday season.

Babylon Supervisor Steve Bellone, a supporter and advocate for the effort, took time out of his schedule to join the weekend awareness campaign.

"As Supervisor of the Town of Babylon, it is important that I use my role as an elected official to remind our community to be safe and healthy during weekends such as the Super Bowl," said Supervisor Bellone. "Drinking responsibly and designating a driver can save lives. It’s a fact."