Drunk driving is a dangerous risk that comes with devastating consequences. Unfortunately, many people might think that they can safely drive home after a few beers. Numerous lives are lost every year to this line of thinking. We hear stories of this all the time on the news. This is a public health issue. Fortunately, there is a concerted effort to help reduce drunk driving as much as possible.
The works of MADD
Every year, there are over 6 million car accidents on the road in the United States, many resulting in death. Lives are cut short and families are left devastated. They can be prevented. At the top of this list are accidents from drunk driving. Alcohol has a damaging effect on someone’s mind. They are unable to fully concentrate on the road. This impairment leads to many car accidents and deaths. To help combat and reduce these accidents, an organization was created.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving, or MADD for short, was first started in 1980 by Candace Lightner. She had just lost her thirteen-year-old daughter, Cari, due to the actions of a drunk driver. That year, there were more people killed by drunk drivers than died in war. This sobering statistic needed to change.
In addition to raising awareness, MADD has made several significant strides in reducing drunk driving deaths. DUI-related deaths have been significantly reduced since the creation of the organization. In 2017, we saw fatal motor vehicle accidents drop to around 5,100, or a 3% drop from the previous year. They have also been influential in getting anti-drunk driving legislation passed across the funny. In California, for example, MADD created a program that those convicted of a DUI are required to attend. MADD’s efforts have promoted the health and safety of everyone on the road.
Prevention tactics
Every year, close to 50,000 Americans will lose their lives on the highways. MADD is committed to reducing this catastrophic number. The health and safety of drivers and passengers will always be a priority. In addition to legislation, they are also key players in the development of anti-drunk driving technology.
One of these technological advancements is the ignition interlock device. These devices can be installed in the offender’s vehicle. In order to start their vehicle, the driver will need to blow into the device. If the device detects too much alcohol, the vehicle will be prevented from starting. Autonomous vehicle advancements have also had a great impact on the health and safety of those on the road.
Truck accidents
The size of the vehicle also has a large contributing factor in the impact of the crash. While any crash is awful, you stand a better chance of walking away from a crash with a smaller vehicle. Large trucks are some of the biggest culprits in motor vehicle crashes. Someone traveling on the road stands little chance of surviving a collision with a large tractor-trailer. MADD is also committed to preventing truck accidents as well.
A smaller vehicle may be able to stop on a dime if an emergency arises. It is not so easy for an 18-wheeler. If the truck is traveling at 65 miles an hour will need the length of two football fields to make a complete stop. The other road-sharers will be left in the path of destruction. There has been an effort, with MADD leading the way, to reduce these accidents. Trucking companies have certain safety standards for their drivers. Every time that they begin their travel, safety should be their number one priority. An effort is also made in the training of new drivers from these companies and truck driving schools.
Losing a loved one will always be a devastating experience. It is all the more heartbreaking when their death is preventable. Drunk driving is something that should never happen, but it sadly does. Reducing these deaths is a tall task, but it can be done. It takes a committed effort from entire communities. Whether you have been personally affected by this or not, you can still do your part. Consider getting involved with your local MADD chapter. We all can make a difference.
