#United States #Denver #Drunk Driving #Mindr #Keepr

Community Leaders Unite for Road Safety

In a significant effort to combat Colorado’s troubling impaired driving crisis, Keepr, part of the national safety technology brand Mindr, recently hosted a community discussion titled Our Family, Our Roads at the University of Denver. This gathering was notable for its diverse assembly of local leaders, law enforcement, advocacy groups, and families who highlighted the need for proactive measures in roadway safety.

Last year alone, Colorado witnessed 236 fatalities due to impaired driving. This stark statistic underscores the vital importance of this gathering, making evident that immediate action is required. The event aimed to ignite a collective response to making roads safer for everyone, creating a culture of responsibility among drivers, particularly young ones.

An Urgent Call to Action

Moderated by Jayson Luber, a traffic expert with over 30 years of experience, the event featured insights from various key speakers, including:

• - Lt. Colonel Joshua Downing, Colorado State Patrol
• - Katherine Boden Holland, CEO of Mindr
• - Tami DePalma, Victim Advocate with a personal story that resonated with many attendees
• - Ali Valencia, a student leader from Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
• - Rebecca Green, State Executive Director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Colorado

Each speaker brought their perspectives on the crisis and solutions. DePalma passionately recounted her son Dominic’s tragic death at the hands of an impaired driver, bringing a personal and emotional depth to the statistics shared during the meeting. Valencia, in a moving address, urged her peers to adopt responsible decision-making about alcohol and driving.

Lt. Colonel Downing presented a striking overview of the current state of impaired driving in Colorado, noting that despite obvious efforts, the number of such incidents has plateaued over the last decade. He argued, “We are not going to arrest our way out of this,” asserting that a multi-faceted approach is essential for progress. He emphasized that better judicial outcomes for offenders and increased legislative support are necessary to change the dire statistics surrounding impaired driving.

Proactive Technologies to the Rescue

Following the emotional testimonies and sobering statistics, the conversation shifted towards solutions, particularly focusing on Keepr and Keepr Drive, groundbreaking technologies designed to foster road safety. Keepr is a portable breathalyzer that integrates with vehicle ignition systems, allowing families to ensure that young drivers are held accountable for their alcohol consumption. By requiring a breath sample before starting the car, Keepr empowers drivers to think carefully about their decisions.

Kathy Boden Holland noted, “Achieving zero fatalities demands an all-encompassing community effort to drive fundamental behavioral change.” This proactive approach is integral to building a culture of accountability among young drivers.

Rebecca Green from MADD Colorado reiterated the necessity for a shift in mindset when it comes to road safety. Although societal views about wellness have significantly evolved, the statistics surrounding drunk driving remain concerning. Hence, comprehensive education and a commitment to personal responsibility are essential for progress.

A Collective Commitment to Change

The event culminated with a powerful resolution: the alliance formed that day among families, law enforcement, and technology leaders signifies a robust commitment to road safety. Keepr strives to harness the momentum generated by this gathering to foster proactive, community-led initiatives aimed at reducing impaired driving incidents.

As the discussions progressed, it became clear that continuing the dialogue and supporting families in Colorado would be key to establishing a framework for a safer future. “The Our Family, Our Roads discussion confirmed that our community is ready to move beyond heartbreak and into action,” Boden Holland stated.

In conclusion, through collaborative discussions like these and impactful technologies like Keepr and Keepr Drive, there lies hope for a future where families can travel roads safely, free from the threat of impaired drivers. Keep an eye on how such events shape community responses and engage citizens in conversations that matter.