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Mothers
Against Drunk Driving |
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Roadside Sobriety CheckpointsThe primary purpose of Roadside sobriety checkpoints is not to arrest impaired drivers. Certainly, that is one results. But the primary purpose is to put the public on notice that law enforcement is watching. Why are sobriety checkpoints important? Worldwide, DUI incidents are reduced by a consistent use of sobriety checkpoints. Laguna Beach is a good example. Communities which consistently use checkpoints have experienced reductions as much as 8 times greater than communities that depend on roving patrols. Why? The reason for the effectiveness of the sobriety checkpoints has to do with the perception of how likely one is to be stopped and arrested when driving while impaired. One of the most important requirements for deterring potential drunk drivers is to convince them that if they drive while impaired, there is a strong probability that they will be arrested and lose their license to drive. Which brings us to a basic fact regarding drunk drivers: the more they think they will be caught, the less they will drink and drive. Are checkpoints costly to the community? Sobriety checkpoints are not expensive, comparatively. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), one of the most important roles of low enforcement is prevention (not just enforcement) of impaired driving. And nothing prevents DUI as effectively as checkpoints. Nothing low enforcement deals with cost society as much as traffic collisions. Compare the cost of a single victim-involved DUI crash, the trial, medical and other costs for victims and their families to the cost of a single checkpoint. Many Orange County agencies are joining forces to share costs. Some of these partnerships include the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and Laguna Beach, Cypress, Seal Beach, La Palma and Los Alamitos police departments. Sobriety checkpoints are accepted by the U.S. Supreme Court In 1990, the nations highest court, with the agreement of most State courts, said that the government's interest in reducing DUI, when considered with the effectiveness of checkpoints justifies the minor intrusion in the life of the individual motorist. The Public wants sobriety checkpoints Whenever asked, the public has stated that sobriety checkpoints are OK with them. In one survey, 79% approved. Interesting when you realize that other studies have shown that 21% of drivers admit to drinking and driving. The fact is, the more checkpoints we have, the more the public supports them. Checkpoints can do double (or triple or quadruple) duty Using sobriety checkpoints to monitor seat belt usage, child safety restraints, driver's licenses and vehicle registrations can result in a remarkable amount of pro-active law enforcement in a short period of time. Checkpoints are an important part of any total enforcement program designed to raise the perceived probability among potential impaired drivers that they will be stopped and arrested for a DUI or related charge. It is not necessary that checkpoints result in a high number of arrests. They constitute a highly visible procedure which comes to the attention of most night-time motorists. Consideration is then given when they are stopped and interviewed or when they observe others being stopped. The media is also a tool in raising awareness, as they publicize such activities. In general, research has shown sobriety checkpoints to be more effective than any other single enforcement procedure in raising the publics perception of the risk of arrest. The bottom line: When done properly, sobriety checkpoints are the ultimate in 'Protecting and Serving.' Honor Them AllThe music on this album is, indeed, a gift of enchanting sound and inspiration for everyone. Whether you are a mother or a father, grandparent, daughter or son, brother or sister, husband or wife or any combination. Available in CD or cassette, this specially-created music collection is sold in record stores nationwide, and features artists such as Carly Simon, Jim Brickman, Carol King and Lorrie Morgan. Honor Them All is a gift of life and hope because a portion of the proceeds benefits MADD and the war against impaired driving. Windham Hill, producer of MADD's first compilation album, 'Honor Them All,' will be giving MADD $1.25 for each CD and $.80 for each cassette purchased. The album is available at record stores everywhere, $15.98 for CD, $10.98 for cassette. Albums can also be ordered directly by calling 1 (888) 649-4455, or visit Windham Hill's website at www.windham.com Every shared experience and day together is precious, unique and irreplaceable. Share this experience with someone you love. MADD InternationalMADD's mission is to stop drunk driving and to support the victims of this violent crime. In essence, that means that MADD's goal is to go out of business! Mothers Against Drunk Driving is an organization working nationwide to educate about the consequences of drinking and driving, as well as to lobby for stronger laws to prevent individuals from repeating destructive behavior. Recently, MADD has also gone overseas, and now operates in Guam. It just goes to show that where the seriousness of driving under the influence is understood, people have taken a stand to stop it. Nationwide, we have seen a 33 % decrease in the number of alcohol related fatalities since 1982 ... all because there are people who care enough to make changes. In Orange County we are seeing improvements as well. We have a lot to be proud of and must continue to fight impaired driving. MADD thanks all our donors and volunteers that work towards keeping all of our loved ones safe. Together, we are making a difference! United Way Donor Option ProgramThe United Way Community Campaign allows donors to make a charitable giving choice that suits each individual's social concerns. Donors can designate MADD Orange County on the line "Other Qualified Nonprofit Organization." We truly appreciate those who have made the choice to give directly to MADD. Their gifts have enabled this chapter to make a difference. The newest statistics for Orange County show that in 1997 we had 13% fewer alcohol related injuries in the last year and 25% fewer fatalities! Help the Voice of the Victim Be HeardAre you a victim of a drunk driver, or do you know someone who is? Would you be willing to verbally share your experience to help MADD reach its goal of eliminating drunk driving? If you would, please contact Vicki or Reidel at (714) 838-6199. Help MADD educate the public about the importance of safe driving habits, and show your local law enforcement officers that they have your support by becoming a MADD Checkpointer! To be a Checkpointer, you need only volunteer 2 -6 hours a month on a Friday or Saturday night between the hours of 9:00p.m. and 3:00a.m. To be added to our list of Checkpointers, call our office at (714) 838-6199 or fill out our online form. The Work of Victim AdvocatesYour support helps our Victim Advocates assist victims in so many ways! One example of our services includes court accompaniment. The following are some cases we have just finished working with:
Thanks to people like you, MADD continues to offer support both in and out of the courtroom to those who have been victimized by someone who was driving under the influence. This page is: http://www.maddorangecounty.org/news/Winter99.htm |
