Why We're Here: Brian Wood
By MADD | January 9, 2013 | Filed in: Drugged Driving , Victim Stories

On September 3, 2010, Brian Wood was traveling with his wife Erin, who was 7 months pregnant with their first child, to Whidbey Island, Washington.  Brian saw a car heading towards them at about 50 mph in their lane.   Knowing that his car would be struck head on and wanting to protect his pregnant wife and unborn baby, Brian turned his car to the right so that he would take the brunt of the impact.  His action saved Erin and their child, but Brian did not survive the crash. Two passengers of the other vehicle were also killed.

Investigators at the scene found heroin, marijuana, syringes and other drug paraphernalia in the driver’s vehicle, and the driver admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that day.  She was charged with causing three deaths and injuries while driving in a reckless manner under the influence of drugs.

Brian’s father Ed Wood began his quest to promote effective laws to reduce drugged driving after hearing the offender’s defense attorney state that “it is not unlawful to drive with illegal drugs in your body.”  Ed has worked with experts at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Governors Highway Safety Association, MADD and countless other groups as well as individual experts and consultants to become a recognized leader in promoting effective drug per se laws.  Ed also directs www.deceptionpass3.com, a network of drugged driving victims who join him in the effort to enact effective drugged driving legislation.

In recognition of his efforts, the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy has recognized Ed as an Advocate for Action. 

Why Were Here: Elaina Luquis-Ortiz
By MADD | December 27, 2012 | Filed in: Victim Stories

Early morning on New Year’s Day in 2010, 21-year-old Elaina Luquis-Ortiz received a call from a friend who got a flat tire on the interstate.   Elaina was in the process of selling the car to her friend, and since the insurance policy was still in her name, she thought it would be best if she met up with them to see if she could help.

The three were sitting in Elaina’s car on the shoulder of the freeway, waiting for the tow truck to arrive, when a drunk driver with a BAC more than three times the legal limit crashed into them.  Elaina died at the scene and her two friends were transported to the hospital with major injuries.  

Elaina was six months pregnant with her first child, Romeo.  He also did not survive.

Elaina was so excited to become a mom. She had proudly posted ultrasound photos of Romeo on her MySpace page.  But instead of a baby shower, Elaina’s family had to plan her funeral.

This holiday season, we remember Elaina, Romeo, and the thousands of others who are killed and injured every year by this 100% preventable crime.

We have our sites set high for 2013, and plan to make great progress with the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving®, but we need your help to succeed.   You can help save lives and serve victims in 2013 with your holiday gift to MADD today.