By: Syd Schertzer
There have been numerous accounts of death on behalf of a drunk or impaired driver. As a result, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) was created as an organization designed to help spread awareness and to prevent further drunk driving incidents from happening.
As of right now, auto mobile accidents are the leading cause of death in the United States, and drunk or impaired driving is the leading cause of vehicle accidents.
Each year, 300,000 incidents occur each day as a result of drunk driving. 10,876 deaths each year are due to intoxicated drivers; which is the equivalent to 30 deaths/day and one death every 48 seconds. On top of that, 290,000 injuries occur each year as a result of drunk drivers.
ALL of these injuries and deaths are 100% preventable! How?! By handing over your keys! Or by designating a sober driver prior to consuming alcohol.
These days, it is easier than ever to avoid driving under the influence because we have cell phones to call a ride, public transportation, and easy access to driving agencies such as Uber or Lyft.
However, it is known that teenagers who drink underage are afraid of getting in trouble by their parents, or the law, and therefore take more risks prior to phoning for help. This is a sad thought as many of us believe it is better to get in trouble and be here to apologize and accept the consequence than it is to end up injured, deceased, or causing harm to someone else.
As many of us can attest to, the pain and trauma endured by the loved ones of those lost, as a result of drunk or impaired driving, is unexplainable and 100% avoidable. Some describe it as a club that no one wants to be a part of, but one that welcomes members, and impacts far too many people.
There are a variety of free and low-cost modes of public transportation offered this year; please use them! With that in mind, as we approach the final holidays of 2019 and the first holidays of 2020, we remind you to drink responsibly.
For more information, please visit https://www.madd.org/