The Virginia chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is participating in the national Walk Like MADD and MADD Dash event. Walk Like MADD is an annual fundraising walk to benefit MADD. Participants gather pledges of donations from family and friends to support MADD’s lifesaving work to end drunk driving. Walkers can sign up individually or in teams.
Funds raised through Walk Like MADD go to support the organization’s efforts in several key areas.
- Legal and other support for families affected by drunk driving crashes
- Support for law enforcement’s efforts to prevent drunk driving
- Work with state legislators to improve laws on drunk driving
- Research on technology to prevent drunk driving
The Richmond Walk
The Richmond area’s Walk Like MADD and MADD Dash event will take place April 16, 2016 at Dorey Park in Henrico County. Registrations will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. April 15. Visit the walk webpage for more information or to register.
Walks are also taking place in Roanoke, Sterling, and Fairfax Station.
More About MADD
Mothers Against Drunk Driving was founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver. Over the years, MADD has become the largest national organization devoted to ending drunk driving. The organization works on several campaigns to end drunk driving through different avenues as well as provide support services for those who have been harmed by drunk or drugged driving. Since 1980, MADD’s work has helped to reduce the number of drunk driving deaths by more than half.
Drunk Driving Facts
- A person is injured in a drunk driving crash every 90 seconds
- About one in three people will be involved in a drunk driving crash at some point in their life
- Every day, 28 people die due to drunk driving in the United States
- Over half of convicted drunk drivers will continue to drive on a suspended license
- About one third of people arrested for drunk driving are repeat offenders
- The average person metabolizes alcohol at a rate of about one drink per hour. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of spirits
- Only time will sober a person up. Drinking coffee or other remedies will not help
Find out more about Walk Like MADD at the event website. Learn more about MADD’s work to end drunk driving on the organization website.