MADD sends lifesaving message
While many are taking to the road for their Labor Day travels this weekend, the chance that a drunken driver could fatally impact your good time is pretty high, according to a new campaign. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) teamed with Pennsylvania-based Sheetz to send a possible lifesaving reminder to drive safe and sober this holiday weekend, especially since statistics show it is “one of the deadliest weekends for drunk driving,” according to statistics compiled by the statewide organization.
MADD sends the important message that if you choose to drink, designate a sober driver.
“Drinking and driving don’t mix,” said Rebecca Shaver, executive director of MADD in Pennsylvania, in a press release. “Designating a sober driver is a labor of love this holiday weekend. Everyone can help keep the roadways, waterways and loved ones safe by making a simple decision to drive safe and sober.”
MADD’s “Labor Day Designate A Driver” campaign comes as nationwide, annual traffic deaths have decreased by 1.03 percent since record keeping began 29 years ago.
The campaign raises awareness about the dangers of drunk driving, reminds motorists to designate a non-drinking driver before the celebrations begin and provides free Safe Party Guides for hosts, according to a press release.
This weekend, Sheetz will donate 10 cents on each cup of coffee purchased at its Pennsylvania stores to support MADD and Pennsylvania’s lifesaving efforts, according to the press release.
The stores will also display posters to remind motorists to drive safe and sober, the press release states. According to the press release, this is the fifth year Sheetz has been the exclusive corporate sponsor of MADD’s Labor Day Weekend campaign.
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show Labor Day weekend as a very deadly holiday for alcohol-related traffic deaths, according to a press release.
In 2003, according to the release, 256 people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes during the Labor Day weekend. The deaths represent over 50 percent of all traffic deaths for that time period, said MADD.
According to MADD’s Web site, www.maddpa.org, an estimated 17,448 people were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes in the year 2001, an average of one every 32 minutes. Each year, more than one million others are injured.
Fayette County MADD spokesperson Pat Mowen stressed that the choice to drink and drive isn’t just a concern for the holiday; it’s a concern for every day.
“I can’t emphasize enough how important it is for people to be aware of the decision they make when they choose to drink and drive,” Mowen said. “It’s not just a holiday decision, it’s a year-round one.”
She also stressed the importance of choosing a designated driver.
Mowen said people view Labor Day as the end to the summer, thus tend to celebrate a little more, ultimately driving up the statistics for alcohol-related crashes.
“It’s really important to encourage designated drivers before a crash occurs. Having a designated driver is the best prevention to alcohol-related crashes,” Mowen said.
Though, the “ultimate prevention,” she said, is to not drink and drive.
“But if they choose to drink, choose a designated driver beforehand,” Mowen advised.
Mowen heard many sad stories from those who loss a loved one to a drunk driver.
“And that’s what people tend to forget or overlook: These are all unnecessary stories,” she said.