Last year 10,839 people in the United States died as a result of a drunk driving crash. One in three teen car crashes are alcohol related and 6,000 teens die every year due to drunk driving.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving will host their fourth annual Walk/Run Like MADD on Saturday, Feb. 9, at Tropical Park to draw attention to these avoidable fatal statistics.
“We come together as a family of survivors from all walks of life to honor those we have lost in a celebration of their lives,” said Janet Mondshein, MADD executive director. “We also recognize this day as a cautionary tale about the dangers of irresponsible drinking and driving.”
The survivors of these catastrophic lifealtering moments often have no one to turn to and nowhere to go for help and healing. The complimentary victim’s rights programs at MADD offer hope and support during the difficult court proceedings that often follow a DUI-related fatality. MADD also connects survivors with others who have endured similar experiences in order to support each other.
Last year Miami-Dade Commissioner Javier Souto donated $20,000 to MADD in support of the walk. The commissioner lost his father as a result of a drunk driver. He shared his personal family tragedy with the audience at the event. His heartfelt story reminded the crowd that no one is immune to the possibility of being affected by drunk driving.
When Miami’s MADD leaders thanked Souto for his extraordinary contribution during a special ceremonial presentation at a county commission meeting following the wellattended event, commission vice chair Lynda Bell shared her own personal story. It was a fortuitous turn of fate that saved her own daughter from being a passenger in a vehicle that resulted in a drunkdriving accident
Most Miamians have been affected, directly or indirectly, by the consequences of drunk driving.
The local headlines are too frequent and the stories too familiar. They have become landmark moments unforgettable to the community, whether it be the loss of an innocent professional on his way to work, a biker struck down while enjoying a scenic ride, or a responsible driver fatally hit for the misfortune of in the destructive path of an incapacitated driver.
To find out more about Walk/Run like MADD and sponsorship opportunities, call 305-273-3744 or visit online at www.madd.org.
