Why We're Here: Michael Haynes
By MADD | June 4, 2012 | Filed in: Drunk Driving , Victim Services , Victim Stories

Michael Haynes was a loving husband, an amazing father, son, brother, uncle and a friend to so many.  He loved spending time with his family, playing with his children and his Xbox.  Michael cared deeply for serving and protecting others, which greatly influenced his life and career choices.

Michael joined the United States Army after the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11th and served his country with pride, courage, honor and integrity in Iraq.  After he was honorably discharged, Michael joined the Montana Highway Patrol in 2006 to make the roads safe for his family, friends and fellow Montana residents—and he was great at his job. In his three years on the Highway Patrol, Michael Haynes received high marks from his supervisors, and was an aggressive enforcer of DUI laws.

On March 23, 2009, Michael was on-duty when a drunk driver traveling in the wrong lane crashed head on into his patrol car.  Michael died from his injuries four days later, leaving behind his wife, Tawny, and two young children.

Following Michael’s death, legislators and other state officials agreed that something needed to be done about the drunk driving issue in Montana and try to remedy their stance as one of the worst drunk driving states in the country.

Michael’s wife Tawny has taken over his passion to get drunk drivers off the road and has become an outspoken advocate for stricter drunk driving measures.  She has worked with legislative committees to examine the effectiveness of Montana’s laws and to see how they can be improved, and was also heavily involved in the passing of the 24/7 Sobriety Program Act for repeat offenders.  Since the drunk driver that killed Michael was reportedly served 13 drinks before he got in his car to drive home, Tawny is also an advocate for stiffer over-serving law and has worked on mandatory alcohol training for servers.

"I want to do the right thing," she said. "I want his death to mean something; I want some good to come out of this."

The Deadliest Driving Season for Teens
By MADD | May 30, 2012 | Filed in: Power of Parents , Underage Drinking

With annual events like proms and graduation parties, and, of course, the starts of summer vacation, teens are more likely to be on the road this time of year; but parents beware, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day has been labeled "The 100 Deadliest Days" for teen drivers.  

According to AAA, an average of 399 teens died in traffic crashes during each of the summer months (May-August), compared to a monthly average of 346 teen deaths during non-summer months. The seven most dangerous days on the road for teens during summer are May 20, May 23, June 10, July 4, July 9, Aug. 8 and Aug. 14. 

What can parents do to keep their teens safe?

To keep teens safe during these dangerous months and year round, AAA Insurance suggests the following tips for parents:

• Eliminate trips without purpose. 
• Limit passengers. Fatal crash rates for 16- to 19-year-olds increase fivefold when two or more teen passengers are present versus when teens drive alone.
• Restrict night driving. A teen driver’s chances of being involved in a deadly crash doubles at night.
• Establish a parent-teen driving agreement. Written agreements help set and enforce clear rules about night driving, passengers, access to the car, and more.
• Enroll teens in summer driving school. 
• Be there. Make sure your teen knows that if they need help, advice or a ride, they can call you at any time. Extend this offer often and let your teen know that you are always available, and that they will not be judged or punished should they need your help.

MADD also suggests:

• Talk about alcohol.  Use our Power of Parents® handbook to talk with you teens about not drinking alcohol until they are 21 and never get in the car with someone who has been drinking.
• Buckle up. Insist on seat belts at all times and in all seating positions. Low seat belt use is one of the primary reasons that teen driver and passenger fatality and injury rates remain high.

The Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act (STAND UP act)

In the spring of 2011 the STAND UP act was introduced to the U.S. House and Senate.  This legislation would establish minimum federal requirements for state Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) laws and encourage all states to adopt GDL laws that meet those minimum requirements within 3 years.   GDL has consistently proven effective in reducing new driver crash risk.  MADD supports the STAND UP act and hopes that all states will adopt Graduated Drivers Licensing laws to help keep our teens safe on the road. 

Power of You(th) Winner Performs for Fellow Classmates
By MADD | May 24, 2012 | Filed in: Underage Drinking

Yesterday, this year’s Power of You(th) video contest winner, Christian Alvarez, performed for his fellow students at Southeast High School in Bradenton, Florida.  After performing the rap that he wrote for the contest, he reminded them that they have the power to stop underage drinking. 

MADD National President Jan Withers also addressed the teens, telling them the story of her 15 year old daughter, Alisa, who was killed by an underage drunk driver 20 years ago.  But the dangers of underage drinking go beyond just drunk driving, she reminded students.  Whether teens are experimenting with beer, wine, or other liquor, alcohol presents a serious—and potentially deadly—threat. Compared with non-drinking classmates, teens who drink are more likely to:

• Die in a car crash
• Get pregnant
• Flunk school
• Be sexually assaulted
• Become an alcoholic later in life
• Take their own life through suicide

Despite these risks, alcohol is the drug most commonly used by youth—more than tobacco and more than marijuana or any other illicit drug.  It’s also the deadliest.  Teen alcohol use kills about 6,000 people each year, more than all illegal drugs combined.  Bottom line: underage drinking is dangerous, not to mention illegal.

Jan Withers and Michal Connolly from State Farm, with Christian Alvarez, the grand-prize winner for The Power of You(th) Video Contest.

Congratulations to Christian for winning this year’s grand prize!  And a big thanks to State Farm for sponsoring this important project.

View all of the winning Power of You(th) videos.

MADD Testifies in Favor of Requiring Interlocks for All Drunk Driving Offenders in D.C.
By MADD | May 23, 2012 | Filed in: Drunk Driving

Today, J.T. Griffin, MADD’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy, is testifying before the Environment, Public Works and Transportation Committee in Washington, D.C. in support of ignition interlocks for all drunk driving offenders.   Currently, ignition interlocks are discretionary for repeat offenders in the district.  MADD is urging the committee to advance the Ignition Interlock Amendment Act of 2012, and in doing so, make sure these devices are required all convicted drunk drivers for at least six months.
 
We know it is not enough to simply revoke the license of a convicted drunk driver.  Studies show that 50 to 75 percent of convicted drunk drivers continue to drive even while their license is suspended. This is the reason why interlocks are so critical to protecting the public.  Convicted drunk drivers who have an interlock can keep their job, keep going to school, and at the same time, keep the public safe.

The Ignition Interlock Amendment Act of 2012 can save lives and hopefully bring the number of drunk driving deaths in Washington, D.C. to zero.  Similar laws in Arizona and Oregon have helped decrease drunk driving fatalities by 51 and 52 percent, respectively.  In Louisiana, drunk driving deaths are down by 40 percent. In New Mexico, drunk driving deaths have decreased by 30 percent. 

MADD’s support of ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers is simple—it is about saving lives and stopping drunk driving. 

Learn more about the hearing or watch it live starting at 1:00 p.m. EST on May 23, 2012.   

National EMS Week
By MADD | May 22, 2012 | Filed in: General

MADD often acknowledges and thanks the heroes in law enforcement who work to keep our roads safe, but this week we want to honor another group of brave men and women who provide lifesaving contributions to the health and safety of our country: the emergency medical service providers.   This week is National Emergency Medical Services Week, a week to honor all of those who dedicate their lives to helping others.

As stated in the 2012 Emergency Medical Services Week Presidential Proclamation, “emergency medical services personnel demonstrate a profound commitment to our country and to our common humanity. Day after day, they answer the call to serve -- to step into crisis and spark hope where it grows dim. This week, let us pay tribute to these selfless individuals and renew our promise to provide them with the support and services they need to protect their communities.”  Read the full Presidential Proclamation.

As first responders, EMS personnel provide vital services in the aftermath of a drunk driving crash.  We honor you and thank you for all you do.