03/17/2017
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Dallas, Texas – St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a celebration in which people across the nation enjoy festivities, which usually include alcohol. However, accompanying the fun and colorful celebrations is a dark truth: St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most dangerous holidays in the United States. In 2015, 20 people (21 percent of all traffic fatalities) were killed in drunk driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period.
“MADD would like to encourage everyone celebrating St. Patrick’s Day holiday this weekend to designate a non-drinking driver if their plans include alcohol,” said MADD National President Colleen Sheehey-Church. “MADD wants to make sure that everyone plans ahead so that their celebrations don’t end in tragedy.”
Drunk driving kills more than 10,000 people in the United States each year, and every single one of those deaths is preventable.
State and local law enforcement will be on patrol throughout the country during this St. Patrick’s Day holiday weekend. With all the options today—rideshare apps, such as Uber, taxis, public transportation or family and friends who are alcohol free—there’s no excuse to drink and drive.
“Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day,” Sheehey-Church said, “but plan ahead for a safe ride home. If you drink and drive, luck is not on your side.”
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save more than 340,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50 percent and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit www.madd.org or call 1-877-ASK-MADD.
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