The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) has announced the funding of an incentive grant in the amount of $126,000 to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Georgia to expand prevention and education initiatives as well as to provide support services to law enforcement agencies in the state. This funding will support MADD activities from October 2013 through September of 2014.
“This grant from GOHS will help MADD achieve our mission to stop drunk driving, serve the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking by allowing us to support our heroes and expand awareness about the dangers of underage drinking,” said MADD National President Jan Withers.
In 2012, there were 301 drunk driving deaths and approximately 15,000 injuries in the state of Georgia, according to a release from GOHS. This donation is intended to help MADD Georgia further its efforts to build a strong message of safety throughout the state and create greater awareness for the organization’s underage drinking prevention programs including Power of Parents and Power of Youth.
“Working with youth and their parents to prevent underage drinking and alcohol related deaths is very important,” said Barry Martin, State Executive Director for MADD. “Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, and three out of every 10 fatally injured teen drivers had been drinking. “
A key component of MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving is high visibility law enforcement, along with ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, and advanced technology to prevent a drunk driver (.08 BAC and above) from operating the vehicle. This grant will provide MADD with the tools to support high-visibility law enforcement efforts to catch drunk drivers and discourage others from driving drunk. Each year MADD Georgia recognizes 500 law enforcement officers for their efforts to identify and remove drunk drivers from our roads.
“The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is pleased to partner with Mothers Against Drunk Driving in their fight to make Georgia’s roadways safer. The education they provide is vital to keeping our highways safe,” said Harris Blackwood.
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