Brothers, grandfathers, mothers, and daughters, all killed by drunk driving here in Louisiana.
“It’s very devastating for a family because this is a crime, and it is a death that’s 100% preventable,” said Valerie Cox, the program manager for Mothers Against Drunk Driving Louisiana.
Cox dedicates her career to helping the victims of these needless accidents.
“With these victims, it’s just unbearable for them because they realize it didn’t have to be. One choice could have changed that whole situation,” said Cox.
Louisiana had 61 fewer alcohol-related traffic fatalities in 2016 compared to 2015, according to the most recent statistics, but why?
“Our goal is to eliminate drunk driving completely, and our way of doing that is by having sobriety checkpoints and supporting advanced technology. So with those components, we can eliminate drunk driving on the highways of Louisiana and across the states,” explained Cox.
The Baton Rouge Police Department and other law enforcement agencies are working together to make sure everyone stays safe by starting the year off with DWI checkpoints across the city.
“These DWI checkpoints are being done to continue to reduce the effects of impaired driving. We’ve noticed that impaired driving has decreased. People are making a plan, and having a plan. We’re glad to see that because you don’t want to get behind the wheel, have an accident or cause your own or someone else’s life,” said Sgt. Don Coppola of the Baton Rouge Police Department.
“The cure is here, and it’s within each of us to be responsible if we’re going to include alcohol in our activities, and to not get behind that wheel because once you get behind there it’s a weapon, and it’s a weapon that can kill and destroy lives,” concluded Cox.
The usual fine for a DWI is up to $1000, and a person could face up to six months in jail, for a first-time offense.
If you want to learn more about MADD, just head to the link below:
www.madd.org/local-offices/la/