This Sunday we celebrate dads of many types--there are dads who are finished raising their kids, dads who have stepchildren, dads who no longer have their children through divorce or death, and dads who are also mothers.
My friend, Jeff, is a law enforcement officer who has full custody of his kids and he is a terrific, single dad. Their mom is still living, but she has some problems that keep her from parenting. I admire Jeff so much because he works to protect our streets from drunk drivers and other criminals, but he manages to work in quality time with his son and daughter.
I think of the lost opportunity to ever really get to know my dad who died of a heart attack at age 43--I was only 11 years old. I think of my daughter who never got to know her daddy Mike because a drunk driver killed him when she was an 8 month old infant. Both of these situations are terrible, but they are not uncommon. Many, many dads never really get to be dads for very long either because of the choices they make or the choices that others make.
This Father's Day, I celebrate all of you dads who belong to MADD because of the death of your child(ren), spouse, significant other, mother, dad or someone else you love. Thank you for being mothers--Mothers Against Drunk Driving. You are all helping us work to reach our vision--a nation without drunk driving.
Happy Father's Day!
Showing posts with label Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Show all posts
June 16, 2011
May 6, 2011
Mother's Day 2011
This is a picture of me with my Mom last Easter and I am so thankful that she is still with us at age 81. But, I know this is a hard weekend for many of you who have lost your Mom, your child or your children.
Many will be mourning their moms or their daughters who never got the chance to be a mom or their only child--the one who made them a Mom. Some single dads--who are now also mothers--will be mourning the loss of a wife and reliving grief at a time when so many celebrate their mother/wife.
No matter how the loss occurred--through a drunk driving crash or otherwise--it is a time to reflect on motherhood and what that means to us.
MADD was started by Candace Lightner after her daughter, Cari, was killed by a drunk driver. Thanks to Candace, we are a 30 year old organization that serves a victim every 10 minutes, that works to keep families safe through education and prevention and that celebrates the heroes who keep our roads safer. We all can be mothers!
A great way to honor your Mom is to make a donation to MADD in her honor. You can do that easily at www.madd.org.
I wish you a day of joy if your Mom is still with you or a day of beautiful reflection if your Mom is gone. Happy Mother's Day!
April 5, 2011
It's time for Legislatures to act
It's "Public Policy season" across the country as most legislatures are in session. We've had some limited success this "season" and as a result, lives will be saved, injuries prevented and many will have to "blow before they go"!
Tomorrow, the Oklahoma House Appropriations & Budget Committee will hold a hearing at 4:00 PM on The Erin Swezey Act. If you live in Oklahoma, please call or email your elected officials and ask them to support this bill to require ignition interlocks on all convicted offenders cars. The bill also has a provision for an endorsement on the driver's license that would indicate they are convicted DUI offenders.
Erin Elizabeth Swezey was killed by a drunk driver on April 4, 2009. Just two short years ago (which probably feels like an eternity to her family and friends), Erin was living a great, full life. Two weeks before her death she penned these words in her journal:
My Message to the World
Sharing my Peace,
my Creator,
my Sustainer,
my Protector,
so that everyone may know the
happiness that comes from a
life lived under Christ
A beautiful young woman taken from her family way too young.
I hope that the Oklahoma legislature will pass this bill in honor of Erin's life. Though I never had the chance to meet her, she obviously was special. Her parents have given their all to get this bill passed. Please help spread the word.
Tomorrow, the Oklahoma House Appropriations & Budget Committee will hold a hearing at 4:00 PM on The Erin Swezey Act. If you live in Oklahoma, please call or email your elected officials and ask them to support this bill to require ignition interlocks on all convicted offenders cars. The bill also has a provision for an endorsement on the driver's license that would indicate they are convicted DUI offenders.
Erin Elizabeth Swezey was killed by a drunk driver on April 4, 2009. Just two short years ago (which probably feels like an eternity to her family and friends), Erin was living a great, full life. Two weeks before her death she penned these words in her journal:
My Message to the World
Sharing my Peace,
my Creator,
my Sustainer,
my Protector,
so that everyone may know the
happiness that comes from a
life lived under Christ
A beautiful young woman taken from her family way too young.
I hope that the Oklahoma legislature will pass this bill in honor of Erin's life. Though I never had the chance to meet her, she obviously was special. Her parents have given their all to get this bill passed. Please help spread the word.
January 10, 2011
Too Drunk??
In Saturday's Washington Post there was an article about the DADSS (Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety) and the potential technologies that NHTSA and the
Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS) are looking into. Check it out at the link above...
Basically, two types of technologies are being explored to find out if they will work accurately, reliably and not hassle those of us who never drive drunk. These technologies might include a set of sensors in the car that would detect if you were at a .08 BAC+ in less than a SECOND! If you were, your car would not be drivable. It is also important to point out that these devices must aim to function without maintenance for at least 10 years and be inexpensive.
Rob Strassburger of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers said it best: "We want the public to understand the need (for this potentially lifesaving equipment)and how they benefit."
We've all got to spread the word and let the public know that this potential technology is a very good thing and has the potential to save over 8,000...8,000 lives! We need Congress to put about $12M/per year into this. That is cheap compared to the cost of drunk driving currently. If you get a minute, please go to www.madd.org and take action by asking your member of Congress to support the ROADS SAFE act.
Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS) are looking into. Check it out at the link above...
Basically, two types of technologies are being explored to find out if they will work accurately, reliably and not hassle those of us who never drive drunk. These technologies might include a set of sensors in the car that would detect if you were at a .08 BAC+ in less than a SECOND! If you were, your car would not be drivable. It is also important to point out that these devices must aim to function without maintenance for at least 10 years and be inexpensive.
Rob Strassburger of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers said it best: "We want the public to understand the need (for this potentially lifesaving equipment)and how they benefit."
We've all got to spread the word and let the public know that this potential technology is a very good thing and has the potential to save over 8,000...8,000 lives! We need Congress to put about $12M/per year into this. That is cheap compared to the cost of drunk driving currently. If you get a minute, please go to www.madd.org and take action by asking your member of Congress to support the ROADS SAFE act.
October 25, 2010
A chapter in my life closes
Nineteen years ago next month, my life changed forever. Last Wednesday, October 20, a chapter in my life was permanently closed when as I held her hand, my first mother-in-law, Gwende Dean, died at age 75.
Drunk driving effects more than just those killed or injured in the crash. It effects everyone in the extended circle for years and years. Especially when the one killed was an only child.
My husband, Mike Dean, was that only child who was killed in a crash on November 21, 1991 at the young age of 32. Mike and his mom were close since she had raised him as a single mom. At the time of Mike's death, we had only been married two and a half years and our daughter was only 8 months old. Immediately following his death, I became her replacement child and I felt a great obligation to look after her. I have tried to do that for the last nineteen years.
When Gwende was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007 and later with a small brain tumor, we knew the prognosis was fatal. She fought valiantly and never complained. Her goal was to see our daughter finish high school. She did live to see that, although she was too weak to attend the ceremony.
My family moved back to Texas earlier this year in some part to be closer to her as her life slipped away. Many trips were made to visit with her before she got to the point where she couldn't talk or use her motor skills any longer. Calls were made frequently to check with her caregiver to see how she was doing.
When I received the call on Oct. 17 that she had stopped taking food or water, I packed my car for the 4 hour drive north to her home. For over two days I sat beside her bed and read her the sports page because her team, the Texas Rangers, were finally in the ALCS playoffs. I had the TV on to the game last Monday evening in case she might hear any of it even though she was semi-comatose. I wanted her to know that her team was going to the World Series for the first time ever--so much so, that I told her they were in the Series even though they weren't at that point!
Gwende, or G.G. as we affectionately called her, breathed her last breath and stepped into eternity at 9:55 a.m. last Wednesday. She was finally reunited with her son--the one she loved and had missed so desperately for the last 19 years!
People who choose to drive drunk never consider how lives are impacted. They never stop to think that a Mom had to live with the grief of losing her only child. They never stop to think about a little girl who never had a chance to know her daddy Mike. They never stop to think that the ultimate stress that is put on a body through the grief process might--I believe DID--lead to cancer in a grieving mother.
Grief regurgitated...grief re-lived. A chapter in our lives has closed with the death of Gwende Dean. May she finally rest in peace.
Drunk driving effects more than just those killed or injured in the crash. It effects everyone in the extended circle for years and years. Especially when the one killed was an only child.
My husband, Mike Dean, was that only child who was killed in a crash on November 21, 1991 at the young age of 32. Mike and his mom were close since she had raised him as a single mom. At the time of Mike's death, we had only been married two and a half years and our daughter was only 8 months old. Immediately following his death, I became her replacement child and I felt a great obligation to look after her. I have tried to do that for the last nineteen years.
When Gwende was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007 and later with a small brain tumor, we knew the prognosis was fatal. She fought valiantly and never complained. Her goal was to see our daughter finish high school. She did live to see that, although she was too weak to attend the ceremony.
My family moved back to Texas earlier this year in some part to be closer to her as her life slipped away. Many trips were made to visit with her before she got to the point where she couldn't talk or use her motor skills any longer. Calls were made frequently to check with her caregiver to see how she was doing.
When I received the call on Oct. 17 that she had stopped taking food or water, I packed my car for the 4 hour drive north to her home. For over two days I sat beside her bed and read her the sports page because her team, the Texas Rangers, were finally in the ALCS playoffs. I had the TV on to the game last Monday evening in case she might hear any of it even though she was semi-comatose. I wanted her to know that her team was going to the World Series for the first time ever--so much so, that I told her they were in the Series even though they weren't at that point!
Gwende, or G.G. as we affectionately called her, breathed her last breath and stepped into eternity at 9:55 a.m. last Wednesday. She was finally reunited with her son--the one she loved and had missed so desperately for the last 19 years!
People who choose to drive drunk never consider how lives are impacted. They never stop to think that a Mom had to live with the grief of losing her only child. They never stop to think about a little girl who never had a chance to know her daddy Mike. They never stop to think that the ultimate stress that is put on a body through the grief process might--I believe DID--lead to cancer in a grieving mother.
Grief regurgitated...grief re-lived. A chapter in our lives has closed with the death of Gwende Dean. May she finally rest in peace.
April 8, 2010
Why Just Mothers?
We have gotten a lot of questions over the years about our name and its perceived exclusivity. Why are we just Mothers Against Drunk Driving?
The fact is, drunk driving affects fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, grandmothers, friends, coworkers, and the list goes on and on. While our founders were grieving mothers, MADD prides itself on reaching out to any individual affected by this tragic crime. In fact, our previous National President Glynn Birch was a father, not a mother.
Several years ago, we even looked into changing our name to address this very problem. But you know what we found out? In order to restablish the amount of awareness and public trust built up in our name, we would need to invest millions of dollars and countless years. In the end, we'd rather spend the generous donations of our supporters on the actual prevention of the crime rather than a rebranding campaign.
So instead, we try to refer to ourselves as MADD more than Mothers Against Drunk Driving. After all, we're all capable of being MADD.
The fact is, drunk driving affects fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, grandmothers, friends, coworkers, and the list goes on and on. While our founders were grieving mothers, MADD prides itself on reaching out to any individual affected by this tragic crime. In fact, our previous National President Glynn Birch was a father, not a mother.
Several years ago, we even looked into changing our name to address this very problem. But you know what we found out? In order to restablish the amount of awareness and public trust built up in our name, we would need to invest millions of dollars and countless years. In the end, we'd rather spend the generous donations of our supporters on the actual prevention of the crime rather than a rebranding campaign.
So instead, we try to refer to ourselves as MADD more than Mothers Against Drunk Driving. After all, we're all capable of being MADD.
February 2, 2010
Priorities
There are many concerns today as seen in recent polls. We also know people are very concerned about drunk driving and support technology to stop it. We now have 12 states with ignition interlock laws for convicted drunk drivers and have new technology being explored to stop drunk driving all together. While we may not have all the answers to American economy, it is nice to know we do have the answers to eliminate drunk driving.
October 27, 2008
Texas Man Sentenced to 99 Years for DWI Conviction
According to an article in the Tyler Morning Telegraph, Roger Dale Guess was sentenced to 99 years in prison for felony driving while intoxicated, which was at least his sixth conviction.
Sign the Pledge to Eliminate Drunk Driving and support MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, which aims to end drunk driving completely through increased law enforcement, ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, advanced vehicle technologies which will prevent a drunk person from operating a vehicle and public support.
Sign the Pledge to Eliminate Drunk Driving and support MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, which aims to end drunk driving completely through increased law enforcement, ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, advanced vehicle technologies which will prevent a drunk person from operating a vehicle and public support.
October 24, 2008
Michigan Drunk Driving Suspect Hits Officer Making DUI Arrest
According to a report in the Detroit Free Press, a Flint, Michigan police officer was hit and injured by a suspected drunk driver, as the officer was arresting a person suspected of driving drunk.
MADD supports law enforcement agencies nationwide in their efforts to reduce drunk driving fatalities and injuries. Unfortunately, we know too well the dangers associated with this enforcement. Visit the Officer Victim Tribute to honor those law enforcement officers killed or injured by alcohol-impaired drivers or while enforcing drunk driving laws and/or underage drinking laws.
MADD supports law enforcement agencies nationwide in their efforts to reduce drunk driving fatalities and injuries. Unfortunately, we know too well the dangers associated with this enforcement. Visit the Officer Victim Tribute to honor those law enforcement officers killed or injured by alcohol-impaired drivers or while enforcing drunk driving laws and/or underage drinking laws.
October 22, 2008
Man Charged With DWI Twice in the Same Night
According to WNBC, a Massachusetts man has been charged with driving while intoxicated twice in the same day in upstate New York.
Sign the Pledge to Eliminate Drunk Driving and support MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, which aims to eradicate drunk driving completely.
Sign the Pledge to Eliminate Drunk Driving and support MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, which aims to eradicate drunk driving completely.
October 15, 2008
October 15 is Global Hand Washing Day – MADD Proposes We Wash Our Hands of Drunk Driving, Once and For All
October 15 is Global Hand Washing Day – MADD Proposes We Wash Our Hands of Drunk Driving, Once and For All!
Join MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, which calls for:
- Increased DUI enforcement
- Alcohol ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers
- Development of advanced vehicle-based technologies to prevent a drunk person from starting a vehicle
- Public support from concerned citizens nationwide, led by MADD and its affiliates and members
Sign the Pledge to Eliminate Drunk Driving and join the thousands of community members and organizations nationwide who have voiced their support for the Campaign and ending drunk driving permanently.
October 10, 2008
Fargo Police Bust Two for DUI in Same SUV
Fargo, North Dakota police arrested two people for driving under the influence in the same vehicle. Read the complete story from INFORUM News.
Sign the Pledge to Eliminate Drunk Driving and support MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.
September 19, 2008
MADD Supporters Ask Why Some “Family-Friendly” Restaurants Back Pro-Drunk Driving Group
Thousands of supporters of Mothers Against Drunk Driving are asking some “family-friendly” chain restaurants to stop hiding behind the American Beverage Institute (ABI) and to withdraw their membership from this restaurant and alcohol industry lobbying group.
This week, MADD delivered more than 9,100 petitions to Mr. Steven Shlemon, president of ABI and president of Carrabba’s Italian Grill, at ABI’s board meeting asking that he remove Carrabba’s and its parent company Outback Steakhouse from ABI’s membership, with more petitions to come.
Supporters of ABI are the parent corporations of some of the best-known chain restaurants in the country including:
This week, MADD delivered more than 9,100 petitions to Mr. Steven Shlemon, president of ABI and president of Carrabba’s Italian Grill, at ABI’s board meeting asking that he remove Carrabba’s and its parent company Outback Steakhouse from ABI’s membership, with more petitions to come.
Supporters of ABI are the parent corporations of some of the best-known chain restaurants in the country including:
- Applebee’s
- Bahama Breeze
- Carrabba’s
- Chili’s
- Macaroni Grill
- Maggiano’s
- Olive Garden
- On the Border
- Outback Steakhouse
- P.F. Chang’s
- Red Lobster
- T.G.I. Friday’s
September 17, 2008
Raiders Defensive Tackle Tommy Kelly Arrested for Suspicion of DUI
Another NFL star was arrested for DUI this week.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly – the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL – was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
In 2007, nearly 13,000 people were killed by drunk drivers with a BAC of .08 or above. Take a stand against drunk driving – by NFL players and ordinary citizens. Join MADD in the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly – the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL – was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
In 2007, nearly 13,000 people were killed by drunk drivers with a BAC of .08 or above. Take a stand against drunk driving – by NFL players and ordinary citizens. Join MADD in the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.
September 10, 2008
Man Arrested for DWI Blames Bad Driving on Spilled Beer
According to news reports, “A man with four previous drunken driving convictions who was stopped for weaving in and out of traffic on Interstate 40 was ready with an excuse for his poor driving: his passenger spilled his beer.”
The man was subsequently arrested for DWI – his sixth such arrest. Read the complete story from KOB TV.
Research shows that those convicted of drunk driving for the first time have driven drunk more than 87 times before their first arrest. This is just one reason why MADD advocates for ignition interlock devices for all convicted drunk drivers.
The man was subsequently arrested for DWI – his sixth such arrest. Read the complete story from KOB TV.
Research shows that those convicted of drunk driving for the first time have driven drunk more than 87 times before their first arrest. This is just one reason why MADD advocates for ignition interlock devices for all convicted drunk drivers.
September 4, 2008
MADD National Conference Kicks Off in Dallas
Hundreds of MADD advocates, staff, volunteers and law enforcement are gathered in Dallas for the next three days for MADD’s National Conference – Campaign 2008: Join the MADDness!. The conference will focus on MADD’s mission to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.
MADD’s new national president Laura Dean-Mooney, whose husband was killed by a drunk driver in North Texas in 1991, will join other experts to highlight MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving which features the tools and technology needed to completely wipe out drunk driving.
MADD’s new national president Laura Dean-Mooney, whose husband was killed by a drunk driver in North Texas in 1991, will join other experts to highlight MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving which features the tools and technology needed to completely wipe out drunk driving.
August 26, 2008
Florida Woman Arrested for 10th DUI
Sheriff’s officials are calling it a local record: an Ellenton woman was jailed Saturday on her 10th drunken-driving arrest.
Data from the Florida Department of Transportation shows there are about 108,000 drivers in Florida with more than three DUI convictions. Read the complete story from the Sarasota, Florida Herald Tribune.
Research shows that individuals convicted of drunk driving for the first time have driven drunk more than 87 times before their first arrest. People drive drunk because they can. MADD advocates mandatory ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk driving offenders.
Call on your lawmakers to support ignition interlocks for all convicted DUI offenders.
Data from the Florida Department of Transportation shows there are about 108,000 drivers in Florida with more than three DUI convictions. Read the complete story from the Sarasota, Florida Herald Tribune.
Research shows that individuals convicted of drunk driving for the first time have driven drunk more than 87 times before their first arrest. People drive drunk because they can. MADD advocates mandatory ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk driving offenders.
Call on your lawmakers to support ignition interlocks for all convicted DUI offenders.
August 25, 2008
Far-Reaching Effects of Drunk Driving
A Courageous Family Carries on After the Death of a Beloved Mother, Daughter and Sister in a Drunk Driving CrashWhen someone is killed in a drunk driving crash, family and friends are clearly devastated. In some families, the far-reaching impact of such a death seems endless. The case of 32-year-old Michelle Tull, of Madill, Oklahoma is one example.
Those most affected by her traumatic October 18, 2004 death were her immediate family – her parents, her three children and her three siblings, including a twin brother. The crash also changed another life forever: drunk driver Craig McClain, Michelle’s husband, who was convicted of first-degree manslaughter and sentenced to serve four years.
Read Michelle's story and learn more about free Victims Services provided by MADD.
August 18, 2008
Nebraska Man Pleads Guilty to His 9th DUI
A man charged with his ninth DUI will be sentenced this fall. Read the complete story from KOLN/KGIN.
Studies have shown that ignition interlocks are an average of 64 percent effective in reducing repeat drunk driving offenses. Contact your lawmakers and urge them to support ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers.
Studies have shown that ignition interlocks are an average of 64 percent effective in reducing repeat drunk driving offenses. Contact your lawmakers and urge them to support ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers.
August 14, 2008
All in the Family? New York Brothers Arrested for DWI
According to New York State Troopers, two brothers were arrested for driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of a personal injury auto accident. Read the complete story from VoiceLedger.com.
Contact your lawmakers about mandating ignition interlock devices for all convicted drunk drivers.
Contact your lawmakers about mandating ignition interlock devices for all convicted drunk drivers.
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