AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — On the heels of another deadly Labor Day weekend for drunk driving crashes in Texas, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Texas offers support to victims of drunk driving crashes and their families. When such tragedies and injuries occur and families must navigate emotional, legal and financial challenges, MADD’s doors remain open to victims, and its message clear to drivers: Always plan ahead for a safe, sober way home.
In 2011, more than 3,000 people were killed on Texas roads, and more than 34 percent of those — more than 1,000 people — were killed as a result of drunk driving. At the same time more than 9,000 people incurred serious injuries in drunk driving crashes. During that time, MADD Texas served more than 8,900 victims and survivors in the state of Texas. MADD Texas offers free emotional, financial and legal support services for victims of drunk driving crashes and their families.
“The heartbreaking truth is that these crashes are preventable,” said Carmen Castro, a victim services advocate for MADD Texas. “We continue to work toward the end of drunk driving in Texas and across the country. At the same time, we provide support to victims and survivors of this terrible crime because we know that after the crash, there’s the impact.”
In addition to providing information online at http://www.madd.org and at its various offices, MADD employees and volunteers are available in person and through a 24/7 support line — 1-877-MADD-HELP — to provide emotional support and assistance navigating the financial and legal aspects of a crash. Nationwide in 2011, MADD served more than 63,000 victims and survivors of drunk and drugged driving crashes. MADD also connects victims and survivors with others experiencing similar challenges to discuss emotions, give support and share in the healing process via message boards, online chats, support groups and social media. MADD Texas has identified counselors on a variety of issues, including mental health, legal and financial experts, to assist victims and survivors in communities across the state.
“MADD is well recognized for assisting victims of drunk driving crashes and their families,” said Carol Rawson, director of traffic operations for TxDOT. “We look forward to the day when there are no alcohol-related crashes and fatalities. Until then, we will continue to work with MADD to support victims and their families and educate drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving.”
MADD works closely with TxDOT as part of its Take the Wheel program to reduce drunk driving in Texas. For more information about MADD and Take the Wheel, visit http://www.madd.org/tx.
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to protect families from drunk driving and underage drinking. With the help of those who want a safer future, MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® will end this danger on America’s roads. PowerTalk 21® is the national day for parents to talk with their kids about alcohol, using the proven strategies of Power of Parents™ to reduce the risk of underage drinking. And as one of the largest victim services organizations in the U.S., MADD also supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, serving one person every eight minutes through local MADD victim advocates and at 1-877-MADD-HELP. Learn more at http://www.madd.org or by calling 1-877-ASK-MADD.
SOURCE Mothers Against Drunk Driving Texas
