In an effort to curb the alarming rise in traffic fatalities caused by drunk driving, Mothers Against Drunk Driving(MADD) is collaborating with law enforcement agencies in Minnesota for their annual “Saturation Saturday” campaign.
This initiative aims to saturate communities with crucial information, law enforcement patrols, and sobriety checkpoints to prevent impaired driving incidents.
Scheduled for August 26, Saturation Saturday marks the beginning of one of the busiest travel weeks of the year and coincides with the release of distressing statistics revealing that traffic fatalities have reached a 16-year high.
Shockingly, 41% of fatal accidents during Labor Day weekend can be attributed to drunk driving.
Recent data from 2021 shows that Minnesota alone suffered the loss of 130 lives due to alcohol-impaired driving crashes.
MADD CEO Stacey D. Stewart commented,
“Since 2018, we have seen a 27% increase in deaths caused by drunk driving, and the number rises as we head toward Labor Day weekend. This ‘Saturation Saturday’ and every day, MADD works closely with law enforcement to stop drunk driving, which is a 100% preventable crime.”
Starting from Saturation Saturday and continuing through Labor Day, MADD will escalate its partnership with law enforcement agencies across the nation to encourage increased DUI patrols and to support sobriety checkpoints.
These preventive measures have been shown to reduce drunk driving fatalities by up to 20%, according to the U.S. CDC. The organization’s efforts complement the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
In Minnesota, this year’s Saturation Saturday will incorporate virtual activations to showcase impaired driving prevention initiatives carried out by law enforcement during the annual NHTSA campaign. MADD staff and volunteers both in Minnesota and across the country will engage in sharing crucial facts, recounting victim stories, raising awareness on social media platforms, and disseminating materials emphasizing the dangers associated with impaired driving.
Veronica Hawman, Regional Executive Director of MADD Minnesota, North Dakota & South Dakota Region, stated,
“Every 79 seconds, someone in this country is killed or injured by drunk driving. In Minnesota, we can and must do better.”
Individuals who have experienced the devastating impact of impaired driving, whether as victims or their loved ones, can find support through the MADD Victim Help Line, which is available 24/7 at 1-877-MADDHELP (1-877-623-3435) or through the website MADD.org.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving(MADD) leads the nonprofit movement to establish a world where impaired driving does not result in victims. Through collaborative efforts with law enforcement to combat underage drinking and all forms of drunk and drugged driving, MADD has contributed to a reduction of over 50% in drunk driving deaths, saving more than 400,000 lives. The organization serves as an advocate for stricter sentencing, new legislation, and innovative technologies, including the implementation of the Halt Act. MADD has also extended supportive services, at no cost, to nearly one million victims of impaired driving through local victim advocates and its 24-Hour Victim Help Line. For additional information or to make a donation, visit madd.org