For MADD by Charlie Hosek
We’re Gen Z. We care loudly, we celebrate boldly, and we show up for each other: Whether it’s a protest, a group project, or a Friday night out. It’s time we take that same energy into something even more urgent: ending impaired driving for good.
Every time someone gets behind the wheel impaired, it puts lives at risk. Every time someone says “I’m fine to drive” when they’re not, it becomes everyone’s problem. We know this. And, honestly, we know better.
But knowing isn’t enough. It’s time to act.
Start the Night with a Plan
Before the first drink, before the group chat lights up asking where the pre-game is, make the plan.
In my circle, we always decide who’s staying sober, who’s calling the rideshare, or who’s making sure people aren’t leaving solo. The plan is not optional; it’s just part of the night. We call it “pre-gaming the exit,” and it’s honestly the most important part of going out.
MADD’s mission is clear: impaired driving ends here. And that means stopping it before it starts. Every single time.
Two People Walk One Home. Every Time.
We never let anyone leave alone. Not to “just walk a few blocks.” Not to hop in an Uber solo. Not to “go meet someone really quick.”
Here’s what we do: two people walk one person home, or wait with them until their ride arrives, and then those two walk back together. No one is left to navigate the night solo when they’re tipsy, tired, or overwhelmed. This isn’t just about kindness. It’s about care. It’s about preventing something from going wrong—because we know how quickly things can shift.
Safety isn’t a buzzkill. It’s love in action.
Rotate the Sober Star
We switch off who stays sober. It’s a team effort. And honestly, the sober friend is the MVP: They remember everything, get the best candid videos, and make sure everyone gets home safely.
Being the sober one isn’t a punishment. It’s a role we hype up, respect, and take seriously. And it means no one ever has to “just risk it” or say, “I’ll be fine.”
Because impaired driving doesn’t need to happen. Not when we have each other’s backs.
“Buzzed” Still Means Dangerous
Let’s be very clear: if you’re buzzed, you’re still impaired.
That “I feel okay” feeling? It’s deceptive. Impairment slows reaction time, clouds judgment, and leads to crashes, injuries, and deaths that never had to happen. Someone is injured or killed by an impaired driver every 85 seconds. That’s not just a stat. Those are people. People like you and me.
If someone tries to drive after drinking, it’s simple, stop them. Be loud about it. Be MADD about it. Because our generation can change what is ‘the norm’ and what isn’t.
We Can Party and Still Protect Each Other
The best nights of my life? They ended with kitchen-floor pizza, shared laughter, and everyone accounted for. No hospital calls. No what-ifs. Just joy, because we protected each other enough to make it to the next memory.
That’s also what MADD is about. It’s about building a social movement rooted in care, action, and prevention. Gen Z is already leading the charge in mental health, climate activism, and social justice—we can lead here too.
TLDR: Let’s Be the Generation That Ends Impaired Driving
- Plan how to get home before you go out.
- Make sure no one walks alone. Ever.
- Have a sober driver, or don’t go.
- Speak up. Stop your friend from driving impaired.
- Celebrate responsibly together.
We have the power to save our friends’ lives without jeopardizing a good time. And we’ll do it our way: Loud, proud, and united.
Because impaired driving ends here. And it starts with us.
