Yolanda Coriano came to downtown Hobart with a life-saving, anti-drinking and driving message straight from the heart.

Coriano, a victims specialist with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), lost her son, Julian Tinoco in December of 2018 when the 20-year-old Winfield man was killed by a drunken driver.

Coriano became a MADD advocate shortly after, initially as a volunteer, and on Thursday was joined by representatives of the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office and Hobart city officials to launch a yearlong initiative aimed at reducing impaired driving and promoting safer communities.

“This partnership is an excellent example of how community collaboration can make a real difference. We are proud to stand with the Lake County prosecutor’s office in spreading this life-saving message,” Coriano said.

The downtown Hobart campaign focused on members of the group distributing to businesses posters bearing the slogan, “Choose A Ride Not A Risk,” along with encouraging individuals who have been drinking to use alternative means of transportation instead of driving.

Others taking part in the distribution of business posters were Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter, Hobart Mayor Josh Huddlestun, Hobart police Chief Garrett Ciszewski and Hobart City Councilman Michael Rodriguez, D-3rd.

“Driving under the influence is entirely preventable, and this initiative is a proactive step toward saving lives,” Carter said, adding, “By partnering with MADD Indiana and engaging our local businesses, we hope to spread awareness and make safer transportation choices the norm.”

The posters, designed to be displayed in establishments that serve alcohol or in other high-traffic areas, will serve as a constant reminder of the importance of planning ahead, he said.

Businesses throughout Lake County are encouraged to participate by displaying the posters prominently in their establishment.

Coriano credited Huddlestun with agreeing to have the initial campaign held in downtown Hobart.

Both she and Myrna Maldonado, public information officer for the prosecutor’s office, agreed they would like to promote the campaign in other communities.

“We’re ready to do it. We could do this in every city and town in Lake County,” Maldonado said.

For more information on how to obtain a poster or participate in the initiative, contact Myrna Maldonado, Public Information Officer for the Lake County prosecutor’s office, at mmaldonado@lakepros.org

Deborah Laverty is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.