MADD Reminds America to Start 2009 Safely
DALLAS, Dec. 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) hopes everyone will add "designate a sober driver" to their list of New Year's resolutions. Last year, 1,293 people were killed in drunk driving crashes between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Equally appalling,
according to a recent report issued by MADD, there are more than 2 million drivers with three or more DUI convictions driving on our nation's highways, including more than 400,000 with five or more drunk driving convictions.
"Drunk driving is a violent crime that is 100 percent preventable," says Laura Dean-Mooney, MADD national president. "Far too many people are killed and injured annually because someone decides to get behind the wheel after drinking. Enjoying New Year's Eve is fun, but it's far more important to live to 2009." MADD, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) support the holiday crackdown, Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest., which protects the public through increased, high-visibility law enforcement, using sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols.
MADD also asks the public to support its Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, which calls for full implementation of current technologies (such as ignition interlocks), intensive high-visibility law enforcement, exploration and development of advanced vehicle-based technology, and mobilization of grassroots support.
Founded in 1980, MADD's mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. MADD is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, grassroots organization with approximately 400 affiliates nationally and 2 million members and supporters. For more details, visit www.madd.org or call (800) GET-MADD. Free victim/survivor assistance is available 24-7 by calling 877-MADD-HELP.
Media Availability: MADD National President Laura Dean-Mooney will be available for interviews on Wednesday, December 31 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. EST. To schedule an interview, contact Janie Loveless, MADD National Communications Manager, at 469-420-4548 or Janie.loveless@madd.org, or leave a message at MADD's National Office at 214-744-6233.
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