“On average drunk driving will impact two out of three people in their lifetime. Every two minutes, someone is injured in a drunk driving crash. Twenty eight people are killed every day by drunk driving.” – Walk Like MADD [1]
Walk Like MADD - The Story
On September 5, 1980, Candace Lightner decided to take a stand and make a change. That year, more people died on the roadways due to drunk drivers than the number of people who died in war. Lightner, who had lost her own daughter to a drunk driver, founded Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
After dealing with the tragedy of this horrific incident, Lightner was a mother on a mission. This mission: to end drunk driving, fight drugged driving, and prevent underage drinking. MADD also gives support to victims and affected families. Since 1980, MADD has opened offices nationwide and become one of the biggest non-profits in the country. Despite this growth, MADD remains a grassroots effort with the focus on the number ‘zero’.
The organization works tirelessly for “zero deaths, zero injuries, zero families impacted by impaired driving.” – MADD.org
The impact in the community
MADD has become one of the most active groups to make positive changes in local communities. In its fight against impaired driving, MADD has saved more than 370,000 lives. Deaths relating to impaired driving have decreased by half thanks to the public education efforts of MADD. MADD works with law enforcement and legislators to create stricter laws and advance technology. In fact, MADD helped raise the legal drinking age to 21 and set the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08. Both of these laws affect all 50 states of the United States!
While it may be at the forefront of the movement, alcohol is not the only substance that can impair a driver. Drugged driving is another major issue that MADD tackles. This includes over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and marijuana–all of which could affect safety. One in four drivers tested positive for one of these drugs.
The Solution
Although MADD has accomplished a lot, the organization has its sights set higher. Every year there are 290,000 people injured and 10,000 lives lost by drunk driving. MADD has made its sole purpose to reach zero fatalities and injuries in the road from this problem.
MADD’s campaign “Eliminate Drunk Driving” has 4 initiatives.
The first initiative is to support high-visibility law enforcement in the community. If it is easier to get caught while drunk driving, many are less likely to drive under the influence. In fact, DUI checkpoints can reduce drunk driving deaths by 17%.
The second initiative is mandatory ignition interlock devices for convicted drunk drivers. This device forces offenders to provide a sober breath sample before driving. Ignition interlock devices keep drunk drivers off the roads and reduce repeat offenders by 67%. If adopted nationwide, these devices could save 1,000 lives each year.
The third is a proposal for the development of further advance vehicle technology. One idea is to have an alcohol detection system in the car that utilizes a breath and touch sensor. If the vehicle senses a BAC over the 0.08 limit, the car will not move. If adopted, zero victims from drunk driving could become a reality.
Lastly, MADD wants to include everyone in the effort to help end drunk driving. We all share the responsibility to help end drunk driving. Thanks to designated drivers, taxis, public transportation, and ride-sharing apps, there is no excuse to drink and drive.
Walk Like MADD - The Event
Part of the initiative is to get everyone involved. MADD started the signature event “Walk Like MADD” that aims to raise awareness and money to put an end to impaired driving. Up to ninety cities host these events and tens of thousands of people partake in it. They have raised over three million dollars to help victims affected by drunk and drugged driving.
Walk Like MADD is a way for the community to get together and raise awareness of the cause. The event is also an opportunity for victims to heal with other affected families. Surviving families can share their stories and emotions and receive community support.
HG2 Emergency Lighting Involvement
HG2 Emergency Lighting supports MADD because everyone deserves to get home safe. No family should have to experience the loss of a loved one due to the irresponsibility of a drunk driver. No one should be robbed of their life as a consequence of someone else’s bad decision.
This is one of our main causes, and we are proud to associate with MADD by participating in their events.
Hosted by Clermont Police Department and MADD, “Walk Like MADD Clermont” took place on September 14, 2019. The 5k unites victims, survivors, and supporters to remember loved ones and commit to a nation with zero victims.
MADD Central Florida tagline for the event is: “We Walk for those who no longer can, and alongside those who are learning to walk again. We Walk with supporters who share our mission no more drunk driving victims. We walk because together we will end drunk driving.”
Take a pledge to end drunk driving. You can get involved and be part of the solution by visiting www.madd.org. For future events in your area visit www.walklikemadd.org
By Christian G. Stone
Walk Like MADD Clermont Event I September 14, 2019
HG2 Emergency Lighting in Walk Like MADD event Altamonte:
HG2 had the pleasure of attending the Walk like MADD event May 2019.
HG2 had the great honor of accepting an Award for “extraordinary community support”. Thank you to all who attended, can’t wait to do it again next year.
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