Showing posts with label madd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label madd. Show all posts
Monday, November 21, 2011
MADD-RI Urges State to Buckle Down on Drunk Driving Laws
Police officers from across the state joined Rhode Island's Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at East Providence Lanes Saturday afternoon for the group's annual awareness campaign kickoff. Before the Holiday Highway Safety Awareness Event turned into a bowling tournament, those present used their platform to advocate tougher laws relating to drunk driving.
East Providence Police Chief Joe Tavares said that he saw Saturday's kickoff event as a reminder "to do more" to curb drinking-and-driving across the state. Tavares, who later accompanied his fellow officers tying a MADD ribbon to police cars, also pointed to efforts in East Providence to curb drinking issues.
"We're taking on many of the liquor establishments, both retail, restaurants and others, so as to prevent that individual from even getting into the vehicle," Tavares said. Tavares also mentioned the city's youth decoy program as an example of individual communities fighting alcohol abuse. The program has resulted in multiple violations and showcase hearings across the city.
Saturday's event included a personal example of the pain drunk driving can cause. Cathy Andreozzi brought her now wheelchair-bound daughter, Tori Lynn, before the gathered crowd, speaking of Rhode Island's need to adopt stricter laws regarding intoxicated driving.
"There is much work to be done," Andreozzi said. "There are [many] steps that can be taken. Rhode Island has been in this battle for over 30 years and certainty it's not for the lack of efforts, but we are still at the bottom."
MADD has developed a rating system by which it measures each state. Ranging from one to five stars, the ratings are tied to how many of MADD's suggestions a state implements. These include sobriety checkpoints on roadways; administrative license revocation; child-endangerment laws; vehicle interlock systems for first-time convicted drunk drivers; and no-refusal laws.
By MADD's standards, Rhode Island is lagging in efforts to effectively deal with drunk driving. The group has assigned the Ocean State one star, a sole recognition of its present child endangerment laws relating to alcohol. Yet Saturday's event presented the urgency of the organization and its allies to make Rhode Island subscribe to the additional benchmarks devised by MADD.
At Saturday's event, Steven Pare, commissioner of Public Safety for the City of Providence and chairman of MADD-RI, referenced the slightly higher ratings handed out by the group to Rhode Island's neighbors, along with a statistic that placed Rhode Island in the "top five states in this country that continually has a high percentage of alcohol-related fatalities."
The state's legislature has been reluctat to adopt MADD's proposals, citing their potential unconstitutional nature, according to Pare.
"There's alway a balance with freedom, and there's always a balance with enforcement and incarceration," Pare said in response to Rhode Island's sensitivity to safeguarding constitutional rights. Pare added that, in the legislature, "there's resistance to the tools which we've advocated."
A resistant General Assembly has not deterred MADD advocate Cathy Andreozzi from focusing on the group's intended results – even if those results mean more of a clamp-down on non-offenders.
"We need to convey to the legislative body that the rights of the individuals who are doing exactly what they should be doing, when they should be doing it, cannot weigh the rights of those who have made a willful, irresponsible and illegal choice," Andreozzi said.
SOURCE
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Business owners and entrepreneurs who own any social venue and who are looking to start a cash business can now do there part in the prevention of Drunk Driving. Please visit alcobuddy.com. World's premiere Breathalyzer Vending Machine for more information.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Public Meeting About Dangers of Drinking and Driving
A public awareness event about the dangers of drugged, drunk and impaired driving will be held Monday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. at St. Francis Borgia Regional High School in Washington.
Father Finbarr Dowling, St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, is helping to organize the event with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Father Dowling described the meeting, which will be open to the public, as an exchange of information among concerned parents.
“We hope to encourage parents who are trying hard to keep kids safe,” Father Dowling said. “We want to keep the emphasis on how parents are discouraging their kids from drinking and driving.”
Meghan Carter, executive director of the gateway affiliate of MADD, will speak at the event. The St. Louis chapter covers nine counties in the region, including Franklin County.
“My presentation will give people an overview of what we (MADD) do in the St. Louis area, how to get involved and to reach out to victims,” Carter said.
Carter will invite those who have been affected by drunk driving to share their personal stories about the “victimization that they’ve experienced and what MADD has done for them.”
Washington police and Franklin County Sheriff’s Department deputies also have been invited to speak.
Accident Statistics
According to the Statistical Analysis Center of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, in 14.8 percent of fatal crashes involving drivers under the age of 21, the driver’s drinking condition contributed to the cause of the crash.
In 2010, there were 18 drivers between the ages of 15-20 who were killed in accidents involving alcohol statewide.
There were 319 personal injuries reported from accidents involving alcohol in that same age group in Missouri last year.
According to the patrol, there were 138 crashes involving drinking, in Franklin County last year. Of those 15 involved drivers under the age of 21.
Franklin County ranked eighth among all of the counties for the highest number of crashes involving drinking and drivers under 21.
In Warren County, the patrol reported 33 crashes involving drinking and two of those involved drivers under the age of 21.
In Washington, Lt. Mike Stapp said there have been no alcohol- or drug-related-accidents involving drivers under 21 and alcohol so far this year.
In 2010, there were three alcohol- or drug-related crashes where the drivers were under the age 21 and in 2009, there were four.
SOURCE
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Business owners and entrepreneurs who own any social venue and who are looking to start a cash business can now do there part in the prevention of Drunk Driving. Please visit alcobuddy.com. World's premiere Breathalyzer Vending Machine for more information.
SOURCE
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Business owners and entrepreneurs who own any social venue and who are looking to start a cash business can now do there part in the prevention of Drunk Driving. Please visit alcobuddy.com. World's premiere Breathalyzer Vending Machine for more information.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
MADD Honors Women Who Tried to Stop a Drunk Driver
MADD awarded “Difference Awards” to two Northeast Ohio women who tried to stop an alleged drunk driver from getting into his car with his two children.
According to the Ohio News Network, Gwen Hungerford and Jennifer Tarson noticed a man outside a Burger King in Lorain walking in the parking lot with his two small children. They reported smelling alcohol on him and said that he appeared to be drunk.
The two women called 911 and tried to stop him from driving off. Unfortunately, the man was successful in leaving with his two children and hit Hungerford's car in the process.
The man has not been identified or arrested, but he could face charges for hitting the car.
Both women say that the encounter has changed their lives and that they plan on volunteering for MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). They say they will participate in the “Every Child Deserves a Designated Driver” program, which sends volunteers to schools to advise children on what to do if they are forced to get into a car with someone who has been drinking.
"People have that 'I can't help' attitude,” said Tarson. “And it just goes back to well, if you think you can, you can and if you think you can't, you can't.”
Julie Leggett of MADD thinks that the women's watchfulness has already sent a message. "It did put that gentleman on notice that people are watching,” she said.
SOURCE
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Business owners and entrepreneurs who own any social venue and who are looking to start a cash business can now do there part in the prevention of Drunk Driving. Please visit alcobuddy.com. World's premiere Breathalyzer Vending Machine for more information.
According to the Ohio News Network, Gwen Hungerford and Jennifer Tarson noticed a man outside a Burger King in Lorain walking in the parking lot with his two small children. They reported smelling alcohol on him and said that he appeared to be drunk.
The two women called 911 and tried to stop him from driving off. Unfortunately, the man was successful in leaving with his two children and hit Hungerford's car in the process.
The man has not been identified or arrested, but he could face charges for hitting the car.
Both women say that the encounter has changed their lives and that they plan on volunteering for MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). They say they will participate in the “Every Child Deserves a Designated Driver” program, which sends volunteers to schools to advise children on what to do if they are forced to get into a car with someone who has been drinking.
"People have that 'I can't help' attitude,” said Tarson. “And it just goes back to well, if you think you can, you can and if you think you can't, you can't.”
Julie Leggett of MADD thinks that the women's watchfulness has already sent a message. "It did put that gentleman on notice that people are watching,” she said.
SOURCE
----
Business owners and entrepreneurs who own any social venue and who are looking to start a cash business can now do there part in the prevention of Drunk Driving. Please visit alcobuddy.com. World's premiere Breathalyzer Vending Machine for more information.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Mothers Against Drunk Driving honor officers from across Central Florida
WINTER PARK --
Hundreds of state troopers, police officers and deputies from around Central Florida have received a big thank you for their hard work.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving recognized the officers for their efforts to stop drinking and driving, just in time for the busy spring break season.
"It's good to feel recognized," said Florida state Trooper José Ramirez. "I think myself and other officers don't do it for the recognition. We do it for what we do: To remove impaired drivers so we can save lives."
MADD's Florida chapter also honored state attorneys and volunteers for their efforts against drunk driving.
The group said it is also kicking off a new national campaign to get parents to talk to their teenagers about the dangers of drinking and driving.
SOURCE
Hundreds of state troopers, police officers and deputies from around Central Florida have received a big thank you for their hard work.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving recognized the officers for their efforts to stop drinking and driving, just in time for the busy spring break season.
"It's good to feel recognized," said Florida state Trooper José Ramirez. "I think myself and other officers don't do it for the recognition. We do it for what we do: To remove impaired drivers so we can save lives."
MADD's Florida chapter also honored state attorneys and volunteers for their efforts against drunk driving.
The group said it is also kicking off a new national campaign to get parents to talk to their teenagers about the dangers of drinking and driving.
SOURCE
Monday, March 7, 2011
MADD not impressed by Vallario drunk-driving bill
A bill introduced by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Joseph Vallario to deal with the issue of installing ignition interlock devices on the vehicles owned by convicted drunk drivers is being dismissed by MADD Maryland as accomplishing nothing that doesn't exist under current law.
"Twelve pages of nothing," MADD Maryland executive director Caroline Cash calls it.
The bill, which had 30 co-sponsors from both parties, is one of several that have been introduced during the current General Assembly session on the topic of ignition interlock technology, which prevents a motorist from starting a car after consuming alcohol.
MADD supports legislation that would make installation of such devices mandatory for all those convicted on driving under the influence. Such a bill passed thhe Senate last year only to die in the Judiciary Committee when Vallario declined to bring it up for a vote.
This year the Prince George's County Democrat has weighed in with his own bill, but MADD isn't impressed. "It does nothing to increase the use if interlock -- let alone save lives and prevent injuries," said Caroline Cash, executive director of MADD Maryland.
Cash said she had at first been encouraged when she heard Vallario was proposing his own bill. But once interlock proponents read the full bill, they realized there was nothing mandatory about it, she said.
MADD supports a bill called the Drunk Driving Elimination Act, sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Jamie Raskin and in the House by Del. Benjamin F. Kramer, both Montgomery County Democrats.
Cash said MADD would raise the issue with House Speaker Michael E. Busch, who decided to retain Vallario as chairman despite protests last year from women delegates over the treatment of witnesses before the committee. She said the chairman's proposed bill isn't even as strong as the compromise legislation MADD rejected as too weak last year.
The Vallario bill would require drivers who are found to have a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 percent or more -- or those who refuse an alcohol test -- to enter an ignition interlock program in order to avert a driver's license suspension. But Cash said that is no more than drivers are permitted to do now, adding that many drivers simply accept the suspension but continue driving anyway.
Vallario's role is crucial because as chairman he can prevent any bill he opposes from getting a vote in committee. In practical terms only the speaker, who appoints committee chairs, has the authority to tell him to bring a bill to a vote.
SOURCE
"Twelve pages of nothing," MADD Maryland executive director Caroline Cash calls it.
The bill, which had 30 co-sponsors from both parties, is one of several that have been introduced during the current General Assembly session on the topic of ignition interlock technology, which prevents a motorist from starting a car after consuming alcohol.
MADD supports legislation that would make installation of such devices mandatory for all those convicted on driving under the influence. Such a bill passed thhe Senate last year only to die in the Judiciary Committee when Vallario declined to bring it up for a vote.
This year the Prince George's County Democrat has weighed in with his own bill, but MADD isn't impressed. "It does nothing to increase the use if interlock -- let alone save lives and prevent injuries," said Caroline Cash, executive director of MADD Maryland.
Cash said she had at first been encouraged when she heard Vallario was proposing his own bill. But once interlock proponents read the full bill, they realized there was nothing mandatory about it, she said.
MADD supports a bill called the Drunk Driving Elimination Act, sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Jamie Raskin and in the House by Del. Benjamin F. Kramer, both Montgomery County Democrats.
Cash said MADD would raise the issue with House Speaker Michael E. Busch, who decided to retain Vallario as chairman despite protests last year from women delegates over the treatment of witnesses before the committee. She said the chairman's proposed bill isn't even as strong as the compromise legislation MADD rejected as too weak last year.
The Vallario bill would require drivers who are found to have a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 percent or more -- or those who refuse an alcohol test -- to enter an ignition interlock program in order to avert a driver's license suspension. But Cash said that is no more than drivers are permitted to do now, adding that many drivers simply accept the suspension but continue driving anyway.
Vallario's role is crucial because as chairman he can prevent any bill he opposes from getting a vote in committee. In practical terms only the speaker, who appoints committee chairs, has the authority to tell him to bring a bill to a vote.
SOURCE
Thursday, February 17, 2011
MADD wants to get tougher on drunken drivers
A drunken driver gets behind the wheel an average of 87 times before he or she is arrested for the first time, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Of those that are convicted of driving drunk, more than half continue to drive on a suspended license.
The Illinois Department of Transportation's Division of Traffic Safety and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers have partnered together to create Operation Report Card, a court monitoring program that works to ensure drunken drivers are prosecuted consistently in Illinois and fewer cases are dismissed.
"This program allows us to follow the adjudication of DUI cases and gather data regarding how they are handled so there is equitable treatment of offenders and victims from county to county," said Trisha Clegg, MADD project manager of the court monitoring program. "We believe increased convictions and consistency in sentencing would significantly thwart the problem of impaired drivers and provide a basis for stronger sentencing of repeat offenders."
The court monitoring program will track defendants from arraignment through the post-conviction process to create a database of facts about the adjudication of drunk driving cases in Illinois. The database will be analyzed and reviewed by a panel of experts and advisors
"Drunk driving is the most frequently committed violent crime in the nation," said Kristi Hosea, a victim services specialist for MADD. "We believe that Illinois' law enforcement are making the stops and writing the tickets, but there is a breakdown in the system somewhere between the street stop and the courthouse. We hope to shed light on this so that the system can be improved and drunk driving can be dramatically reduced in Illinois."
The program already has monitored more than 7,000 drunken driving cases in Illinois and expects to monitor at least three times more cases before a report about how drunken driving cases in Illinois are typically handled in the court system is released.
SOURCE
Of those that are convicted of driving drunk, more than half continue to drive on a suspended license.
The Illinois Department of Transportation's Division of Traffic Safety and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers have partnered together to create Operation Report Card, a court monitoring program that works to ensure drunken drivers are prosecuted consistently in Illinois and fewer cases are dismissed.
"This program allows us to follow the adjudication of DUI cases and gather data regarding how they are handled so there is equitable treatment of offenders and victims from county to county," said Trisha Clegg, MADD project manager of the court monitoring program. "We believe increased convictions and consistency in sentencing would significantly thwart the problem of impaired drivers and provide a basis for stronger sentencing of repeat offenders."
The court monitoring program will track defendants from arraignment through the post-conviction process to create a database of facts about the adjudication of drunk driving cases in Illinois. The database will be analyzed and reviewed by a panel of experts and advisors
"Drunk driving is the most frequently committed violent crime in the nation," said Kristi Hosea, a victim services specialist for MADD. "We believe that Illinois' law enforcement are making the stops and writing the tickets, but there is a breakdown in the system somewhere between the street stop and the courthouse. We hope to shed light on this so that the system can be improved and drunk driving can be dramatically reduced in Illinois."
The program already has monitored more than 7,000 drunken driving cases in Illinois and expects to monitor at least three times more cases before a report about how drunken driving cases in Illinois are typically handled in the court system is released.
SOURCE
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Guardian angel car stops drunk drivers
This vehicular prototype device is not only your whip, but also your guardian angel. The technology we’re talking about is a cool detection system that uses an automatic sensor to gauge a driver’s alcohol level before starting. If your alcohol level is too high, the car simply will not drive.
According to the Center for Disease Control, 32 people die in alcohol-related accidents every day, making an "alcohol-detecting" car extremely appealing to the U.S. Transportation department.
In a visit with QinetiQ North America, the creators of the technology, U.S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood showed public interest in such technology. The measure called the Driver Alcohol Detection Systems (or…DADS?) will measure the driver’s blood alcohol level, and if it’s above .08 the smart car won’t start.
Although similiar technology already exists, the current judge-ordered bulky tech requires the driver blow into a large tube before starting a vehicle.
This particular version of the technology is designed to be super sensitive and therefore less obtrusive, making it more appealing for major car manufacturers.
The device will analyze the blood alcohol content by analyzing the driver’s breath or skin using touch-based sensors placed on the steering wheel and door locks.
David Strickland, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, estimated such technology could prevent as many as 9,000 fatal alcohol-related crashes a year in the U.S.
So far the program has received $10 million in research money from the NHTSA and the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety.
But some critics argue that the system could never be 100% accurate. Sarah Longwell of the American Beverage Institute said, "Even if the technology is 99.9 percent reliable, that's still tens of thousands of cars that won't start every day.
"It's going to eliminate the ability of people to have a glass of wine with dinner or a beer at a ball game and then drive home, something that is perfectly safe and currently legal in all 50 states."
On the other hand, Laura Dean Mooney, president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, said the system could "turn cars into the cure."
Sadly, the anti-drunk driving tech won't available for at least 8-10 years.
SOURCE
According to the Center for Disease Control, 32 people die in alcohol-related accidents every day, making an "alcohol-detecting" car extremely appealing to the U.S. Transportation department.
In a visit with QinetiQ North America, the creators of the technology, U.S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood showed public interest in such technology. The measure called the Driver Alcohol Detection Systems (or…DADS?) will measure the driver’s blood alcohol level, and if it’s above .08 the smart car won’t start.
Although similiar technology already exists, the current judge-ordered bulky tech requires the driver blow into a large tube before starting a vehicle.
This particular version of the technology is designed to be super sensitive and therefore less obtrusive, making it more appealing for major car manufacturers.
The device will analyze the blood alcohol content by analyzing the driver’s breath or skin using touch-based sensors placed on the steering wheel and door locks.
David Strickland, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, estimated such technology could prevent as many as 9,000 fatal alcohol-related crashes a year in the U.S.
So far the program has received $10 million in research money from the NHTSA and the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety.
But some critics argue that the system could never be 100% accurate. Sarah Longwell of the American Beverage Institute said, "Even if the technology is 99.9 percent reliable, that's still tens of thousands of cars that won't start every day.
"It's going to eliminate the ability of people to have a glass of wine with dinner or a beer at a ball game and then drive home, something that is perfectly safe and currently legal in all 50 states."
On the other hand, Laura Dean Mooney, president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, said the system could "turn cars into the cure."
Sadly, the anti-drunk driving tech won't available for at least 8-10 years.
SOURCE
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Should First Time Drivers Get a Pass?
A new bill could change the way first-time DWI offenders are treated in court.
For years, deferred adjudication hasn't been an option for folks caught driving drunk.
But now, a new bill is proposed meant to ultimately acquit drunk drivers, if it's their first offense.
They would still be required to possibly complete classes, pay fines, and serve probation, but repeat-offenders would be the ones to face harsher punishments.
M.A.D.D. is in support of this bill, filed by republican Todd Smith of Euless, TX.
Should first-time drunk drivers get a pass, only to be punished if they repeat the offense?
SOURCE
For years, deferred adjudication hasn't been an option for folks caught driving drunk.
But now, a new bill is proposed meant to ultimately acquit drunk drivers, if it's their first offense.
They would still be required to possibly complete classes, pay fines, and serve probation, but repeat-offenders would be the ones to face harsher punishments.
M.A.D.D. is in support of this bill, filed by republican Todd Smith of Euless, TX.
Should first-time drunk drivers get a pass, only to be punished if they repeat the offense?
SOURCE
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Troop F, MADD partner to fight drunken driving
Louisiana State Police Troop F and Mothers Against Drunk Driving announced Wednesday they have teamed up to warn others about the dangers of impaired driving.
As part of the collaboration, a Christmas tree was set up at Troop F's headquarters, adorned with pictures of victims of collisions with impaired drivers from around the state and MADD ribbons.
Troop F commander Capt. Kevin Reeves said the idea sprung from a decoration at state police headquarters in Baton Rouge.
"When I was down there about two years ago, I saw this tree in their lobby with pictures all over it," Reeves said.
Reeves said a fellow trooper he was visiting with at the time stood before the tree, looking into the eyes of the people in the pictures for about five minutes.
"He said, 'Do you know who these people are?'" Reeves said. "It's a reminder of why we do what we do. I thought it was a good idea."
Reeves said troopers contacted the local MADD chapter to discuss the matter.
"I take the time to walk in and look into these people's eyes every day," Reeves said. "And I want our troopers to do the same."
Gail Dupuy, the mother of one person depicted on the tree, knows from personal experience how impaired drivers can affect others. Her daughter, Leigh Ann Carlton, a 2001 graduate of Ouachita Parish High School, died in an crash with an impaired driver in July 2001.
READ FULL ARTICLE
As part of the collaboration, a Christmas tree was set up at Troop F's headquarters, adorned with pictures of victims of collisions with impaired drivers from around the state and MADD ribbons.
Troop F commander Capt. Kevin Reeves said the idea sprung from a decoration at state police headquarters in Baton Rouge.
"When I was down there about two years ago, I saw this tree in their lobby with pictures all over it," Reeves said.
Reeves said a fellow trooper he was visiting with at the time stood before the tree, looking into the eyes of the people in the pictures for about five minutes.
"He said, 'Do you know who these people are?'" Reeves said. "It's a reminder of why we do what we do. I thought it was a good idea."
Reeves said troopers contacted the local MADD chapter to discuss the matter.
"I take the time to walk in and look into these people's eyes every day," Reeves said. "And I want our troopers to do the same."
Gail Dupuy, the mother of one person depicted on the tree, knows from personal experience how impaired drivers can affect others. Her daughter, Leigh Ann Carlton, a 2001 graduate of Ouachita Parish High School, died in an crash with an impaired driver in July 2001.
READ FULL ARTICLE
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Review of B.C.'s impaired laws controversial
B.C. restaurant and bar owners are expressing relief at news that the provincial government is mulling changes to strict new impaired driving laws, but not everyone supports relaxing the enforcement.
Solicitor General Rich Coleman said Monday his office would review the new penalties that came into effect in September in light of complaints from the food and beverage industry. The B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association estimates some businesses have seen sales drop between 15 and 30 per cent, and welcomed the news of the review.
"I think it's good for everyone that works in this industry," said Tim Murphy, general manager of the Shark Club in downtown Vancouver.
The new laws introduced tough roadside penalties for anyone caught with a blood alcohol level over .05, leading many people to conclude they cannot legally drive after one drink.
"I think if they're going to review it and look at it and they have a plan for it and it's done properly, it should be a good thing."
No discretion required: MADD
Coleman also said police need to exercise more discretion and shouldn't always tow vehicles for people who blow over .05.
READ MORE
Solicitor General Rich Coleman said Monday his office would review the new penalties that came into effect in September in light of complaints from the food and beverage industry. The B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association estimates some businesses have seen sales drop between 15 and 30 per cent, and welcomed the news of the review.
"I think it's good for everyone that works in this industry," said Tim Murphy, general manager of the Shark Club in downtown Vancouver.
The new laws introduced tough roadside penalties for anyone caught with a blood alcohol level over .05, leading many people to conclude they cannot legally drive after one drink.
"I think if they're going to review it and look at it and they have a plan for it and it's done properly, it should be a good thing."
No discretion required: MADD
Coleman also said police need to exercise more discretion and shouldn't always tow vehicles for people who blow over .05.
READ MORE
Monday, November 8, 2010
MADD wants you to think ahead this holiday season
As police across Edmonton set up Checkstops this holiday season, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada wants to make sure you get the message.
If you're going to have a few drinks at a party, MADD wants you to plan ahead by arranging for a designated driver, calling a taxi, or staying overnight.
National President Denise Dubyk lost her son-in-law in an impaired driving collision in May, 2000.
"I'll never forget that morning, I'll never forget seeing the pain in my daughter's eyes or in the eyes of my grandsons who were just 2 and 6 at the time. As a mother and grandmother there was nothing I could do to protect them."
MADD says impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death in Canada, claiming over 12 hundred lives in 2007 alone.
SOURCE
If you're going to have a few drinks at a party, MADD wants you to plan ahead by arranging for a designated driver, calling a taxi, or staying overnight.
National President Denise Dubyk lost her son-in-law in an impaired driving collision in May, 2000.
"I'll never forget that morning, I'll never forget seeing the pain in my daughter's eyes or in the eyes of my grandsons who were just 2 and 6 at the time. As a mother and grandmother there was nothing I could do to protect them."
MADD says impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death in Canada, claiming over 12 hundred lives in 2007 alone.
SOURCE
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
MADD seeks random breathalyzer test for Teen Drivers
If Mothers Against Drunk Driving CEO Andrew Murie has his way, drivers across Canada could be forced to take a breathalyzer test anywhere, anytime — whether police suspect drunk driving or not.
And Murie may get it.
“We had one of Canada’s leading constitutional lawyers look at the issue of random breath testing,” said Murie, who was on-hand Tuesday for MADD Canada’s annual launch of its Project Red Ribbon campaign in Toronto. “He said it would probably be challenged but it would be upheld because driving is a privilege and the benefits to society far outweigh the infringement (on drivers).”
Murie has some big backers in the random breath testing debate.
Federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson has endorsed such a change in the law, echoing a June 2009 recommendation from the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights that Ottawa amend the criminal code to allow police across Canada to conduct random breath tests.
RBT would replace Canada’s current, 40-year-old way of doing things, where police can demand a breath test only if they have reason to suspect a driver is too drunk to drive.
Ottawa said it would talk to the provinces first, then consider the changes.
Murie sites countries that have RBT — Australia, France, Germany, New Zealand and Ireland are some — pointing out they have seen less and less carnage on their roadways.
“We’re way behind the rest of the democratic societies,” said Murie. “There’s a difference of about 20% in the decrease in deaths and injuries (between) the countries that have it and the countries that don’t.”
But RBT is a slippery slope for a “free and democratic country” such as Canada, said Nathalie Des Rosiers of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.
Increasing police power to that point, she said, would send the truth north strong and free toward becoming a police state.
“It’s about giving the power to the police to arrest someone anywhere, anytime and subject them to a criminal investigation where they have to comply, even though there is no reasonable grounds that they’ve done anything wrong,” said Des Rosier.
A big reason RBT won’t work, she said, is many of the hardcore drinkers will get behind the wheel, regardless of random testing.
There is also an overall lack of police spot checks, as well as not enough alternative transportation, such as taxis, Des Rosiers said.
Everyday people also need to be more proactive — if you see someone about to get behind the wheel, speak up, Des she said.
But Carolyn Swinson, past president of MADD’s Toronto chapter, may not agree.
Swinson looks at the issue from a personal perspective and like many current and former MADD staffers, she is driven by her own loss.
“I think about Rob every day,” said Swinson of her son, who was killed at the hands of a drunk driver 17 years ago.
Swinson, who still holds back tears when talking about it, says her son’s death set her to work toward a day when no parent has to go though what she did.
“You lose a child, and it is the most painful thing,” she said, “and you make a decision to take revenge or to do something, which is why I got involved with MADD.”
SOURCE
And Murie may get it.
“We had one of Canada’s leading constitutional lawyers look at the issue of random breath testing,” said Murie, who was on-hand Tuesday for MADD Canada’s annual launch of its Project Red Ribbon campaign in Toronto. “He said it would probably be challenged but it would be upheld because driving is a privilege and the benefits to society far outweigh the infringement (on drivers).”
Murie has some big backers in the random breath testing debate.
Federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson has endorsed such a change in the law, echoing a June 2009 recommendation from the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights that Ottawa amend the criminal code to allow police across Canada to conduct random breath tests.
RBT would replace Canada’s current, 40-year-old way of doing things, where police can demand a breath test only if they have reason to suspect a driver is too drunk to drive.
Ottawa said it would talk to the provinces first, then consider the changes.
Murie sites countries that have RBT — Australia, France, Germany, New Zealand and Ireland are some — pointing out they have seen less and less carnage on their roadways.
“We’re way behind the rest of the democratic societies,” said Murie. “There’s a difference of about 20% in the decrease in deaths and injuries (between) the countries that have it and the countries that don’t.”
But RBT is a slippery slope for a “free and democratic country” such as Canada, said Nathalie Des Rosiers of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.
Increasing police power to that point, she said, would send the truth north strong and free toward becoming a police state.
“It’s about giving the power to the police to arrest someone anywhere, anytime and subject them to a criminal investigation where they have to comply, even though there is no reasonable grounds that they’ve done anything wrong,” said Des Rosier.
A big reason RBT won’t work, she said, is many of the hardcore drinkers will get behind the wheel, regardless of random testing.
There is also an overall lack of police spot checks, as well as not enough alternative transportation, such as taxis, Des Rosiers said.
Everyday people also need to be more proactive — if you see someone about to get behind the wheel, speak up, Des she said.
But Carolyn Swinson, past president of MADD’s Toronto chapter, may not agree.
Swinson looks at the issue from a personal perspective and like many current and former MADD staffers, she is driven by her own loss.
“I think about Rob every day,” said Swinson of her son, who was killed at the hands of a drunk driver 17 years ago.
Swinson, who still holds back tears when talking about it, says her son’s death set her to work toward a day when no parent has to go though what she did.
“You lose a child, and it is the most painful thing,” she said, “and you make a decision to take revenge or to do something, which is why I got involved with MADD.”
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