MADD Encourages Safe Driving During Thanksgiving Celebrations This Year

MADD Urges Drivers to Plan Ahead This Thanksgiving

As Americans prepare for the joyous festivities of Thanksgiving, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) has once again stepped into the spotlight to promote road safety. This holiday season sees millions of families embarking on journeys to be with loved ones. However, it is also notorious for increased alcohol consumption and driving incidents, especially during the night before Thanksgiving, dubbed ‘Blackout Wednesday’.

MADD, with its ongoing campaign, “Take a Minute. Make a Plan.”, launched in collaboration with Diageo North America, stresses the importance of planning for a safe ride home before any celebrations begin. According to MADD's CEO, Stacey D. Stewart, the safety of all travelers should be a primary concern during these gatherings. "Every Thanksgiving, we pause to reflect on what matters most, and safety is integral to that reflection," she stated.

The campaign encourages individuals to take just one minute to arrange for alternatives such as designated drivers, rideshares, or public transport, reinforcing that this small effort can save lives and protect communities from the devastating impact of impaired driving. Stewart noted, "Planning a safe ride is a vital step every person can take to prevent impaired driving crashes."

The support from Diageo and Uber highlights the ongoing partnership aimed at community awareness. As part of this campaign, fans are reminded to channel the dedication and enthusiasm they have for their favorite NFL teams into promoting safe drinking practices while watching games, either at home, in bars, or in stadiums. Stephanie Childs, EVP of Corporate Relations at Diageo North America, said, "We are thrilled to continue partnering with MADD to help make communities safer by encouraging fans to fight against impaired driving, just as passionately as they support their teams."

In reflection of the progress made in reducing drunk driving fatalities, MADD also celebrates the passage of the HALT Drunk Driving Law in 2021. This key legislation mandates the inclusion of anti-drunk driving technology in all new vehicles, a move expected to save more than 10,000 lives annually and significantly reduce injuries caused by impaired driving, as per projections from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Stewart expressed optimism, stating, "A future free of impaired driving crashes is near, and it’s rooted in technology that will prevent impaired drivers from hitting the road. This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for the advancements made toward safer roads and look forward to even greater progress ahead.”

This message of gratitude extends beyond MADD's campaign initiatives. It resonates with the organization’s overall mission since its inception in 1980, which has seen a remarkable reduction in drunk driving deaths by nearly 40% and services provided to over one million victims and survivors.

As families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, MADD calls upon everyone to embrace responsible drinking habits and emphasize safe travel practices. The organization encourages all to participate in creating a culture of accountability that can ultimately lead to the cessation of impaired driving once and for all. This holiday season offers a chance for communities to come together to prioritize safety and show gratitude through responsible choices.

For support and resources, those affected by impaired driving incidents can reach out to MADD’s 24-Hour Victim Help Line at 1-877-MADD-HELP. MADD is committed to leading the movement to end impaired driving for good, serving victims and survivors with unwavering support, and advocating for stronger laws. To learn more about their efforts and how to contribute, visit MADD's website and connect through social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.