Celebrate Responsibly | Tips from MADD

By Brenda Frachiseur, MADD California Executive Director

Summertime is here and the Fourth of July is traditionally a time to celebrate vacations and family togetherness; however, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) warns that it can also be a dangerous time for those traveling on California roads. In 2010, 155 people were killed nationwide in drunk driving crashes over the holiday weekend, and 80 percent of those crashes took place at night, between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. These were people whose lives have been forever impacted and whose summer vacations and celebrations will no longer be fond memories. Tragically, their deaths and injuries were 100% preventable.

In 2010, 155 people were killed nationwide in drunk driving crashes over the holiday weekend, and 80 percent of those crashes took place at night, between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m.

Too many of us at MADD know the pain of losing a loved one in a drunk driving crash, so it’s our hope that by drawing attention to the increased dangers associated with a holiday like the Fourth of July, we can save other families the heartache and devastation caused by drunk driving. The next couple of months are sure to be filled with BBQ’s, informal get-togethers, and special family traditions. MADD encourages people to plan ahead for a safe way home if their plans include alcohol.

MADD would like to encourage you to consider a few ideas and take the simple steps necessary to keep your traditions and your loved ones alive. These simple tips will ensure your celebrations do not turn into tragedies.

As a party giver, perhaps one of your most important responsibilities is to plan for your guests’ safety after the party.  Don’t overlook some of these simple but crucial details:

• Avoid making alcohol the main focus of the party.  Entertain guests with outdoor games, food, and lively conversation.
• Be sure to offer plenty of non-alcoholic choices such as “mocktails”, sparkling water and soft drinks.
• Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the end of the event.  Instead, serve coffee and desserts.
• Never serve alcohol to anyone under 21.
• Recruit designated drivers before the party begins.
• Offer your place to spend the night.
• Have everyone drop their keys in a basket when they arrive and only return the keys to sober drivers.
• BE PREPARED TO TAKE THE KEYS!

As a party goer, planning is the key:

• Decide to be the Designated Driver.
• Consider going with a group of friends and designate a sober driver before the celebration begins.
• Take a cab, public transportation, or rent a limo.
• Have the number of a taxi service in your pocket before heading out (some companies even provide free taxi services during holidays).

 With just a few precautions, your parties can be fun, safe and memorable for all the right reasons.

A final thought - as part of the nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown on drunk driving around the Fourth of July, California law enforcement will be intensifying their efforts to deter and detect drunk driving, in order to prevent these needless deaths and injuries.

Be safe and enjoy our Nation’s birthday!

---

Brenda Frachiseur is the Executive Director of MADD California. As one of the largest victim services organizations in the U.S., MADD supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, serving one person every eight minutes through local MADD victim advocates. For more information about MADD California, visit www.maddcalifornia.org.