Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) (www.madd.org/), is an organization focused on the dangers of drunk driving and since MADD was formed, more than 30 years ago, statistics show that drunk driving has been reduced by half.
MADD has offices in every state and least one in every province of Canada. The nonprofit offers victim services and resources related to alcohol safety.
While statistics show significant improvements in drunk driving rates, drunk driving is still a significant cause of fatalities in motor vehicle accidents. Every day, 28 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes that involve a drunk driver. This amount equates to one death every 53 minutes. In addition to the lives lost, the annual cost of alcohol-related crashes totals more than $44 billion.
While the campaign has clearly raised awareness and the numbers show an improving trend, drunk drivers on the road still present a significant hazard, and one with often unfortunate outcomes.
It’s important to remember the deadly consequences of drivers who have had too much to drink getting behind the wheel.
This Mother’s Day, MADD suggests the following tips if you are placed in the situation where a friend, family member or even stranger is attempting to get behind the wheel after too many drinks:
1. Suggest an alternative.
Suggest someone you suspect has had too much to take a cab, bus or ride with a sober driver.
2.Enlist a buddy.
Talk to the person you are concerned about with a buddy. It’s more difficult to say “no” to more than one person.
3.Take the keys.
If the impaired person cannot locate the keys, you now have more control in the situation.
4.Invite the person to stay.
Suggest the person sleep over and be ready to provide a safe place for them to stay to avoid driving.
5.Be patient and non-confrontational.
Remember the person you are talking with is impaired and probably not thinking clearly. Speak slowly and explain your reasoning in detail.
6.Call law enforcement.
If all else fails, it’s better to enlist the help of the authorities than to send an impaired driver out on the road.
While statistics show the problem has improved, drinking and driving is still a serious problem. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, always seek the advice of a trusted legal professional.
Contact Hinman Law Group at (877) 462-9732 for a FREE consultation to see if we can help. We at Hinman Law Group wish you a happy and safe Mother’s Day!