Here at MADD at the end of the year I always have two trains of thought going and I decided why not converge them – hey after all it is the end of the year.

First, MADD Nebraska appreciates the more than 1,600 supporters we have currently. Our supporters are truly our life-blood and work across the state would never get accomplished without our great volunteers, supporters and safety partners.  With that said, I would like to encourage you to become a member and donate $20.00 to MADD Nebraska www.madd.org/ChapterDonations/ . 

The moneys stays here to help those impacted by drunk driving, secure sound policy measures and continue our Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.  Our MADD State Chair, Dana McCown said at the Tie One On For Safety press conference “it is more than a Campaign it should be our way of life.”

I don’t think anyone can argue with that statement.  Prior to December 31, 2009 get your check out and send us a contribution – we will Make A Dinference Daily with it! Thank you for your support.

OK the second thought is to remind everyone one more time that the holiday season is a time to celebrate safe, sober and buckled up. Make a plan to get home and if your plans don’t pan out then use the TAXI service if it is in your area.

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving - Make the right call.

Those in Omaha and Lincoln who celebrate the holidays by imbibing a little too much can avoid the risk of drinking and driving, thanks to free taxi service offered by a couple of law firms.

Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf and Lathrop of Omaha is again sponsoring its Safe Ride Home program. Started in 1990, the program is simple: Anyone who attends a holiday party through New Year’s Eve and becomes too intoxicated to drive safely can call Happy Cab in Omaha for a ride home. Hauptman will pick up the cab fare.

 A Lincoln law firm, Friedman Law Offices, provides the same service in Nebraska’s capital city. In Lincoln, partygoers are asked to call 402-474-SAFE between the hours of 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. through Dec. 31 for a free cab ride home.

There you go – my two cents and my appreciation to all whom have helped MADD meet our mission:  to stop drunk driving, support victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking..

MADD Nebraska would like to recognize  State Operations Council Member, Marcie Hagerty, formerly a Deputy County Attorney with the Lancaster County,  she did a great job of not only winning on the motion, but of getting the right case to appeal and seeing that a good record was made. You can see that by reading the opinion. http://www.supremecourt.ne.gov/opinions/2009/november/nov20/s08-192.pdf  The experts were among the best.  MADD Nebraska understands that this was a team effort involving many in and out of the state. 

Nebraska Supreme Court

• In part, the court wrote: “A law enforcement officer with the training and experience offered by ‘drug recognition expert’ certification is sufficiently qualified to testify, based on his or her evaluation, that a suspect was under the influence of drugs.”

Thanks also goes out to the Attorney General’s staff as they did a masterful job on the appeal, and for funding through the Office of Highway Safety.
One of the greatest things about the decision is that it does not require the full foundational process to qualify the DRE for the opinion. It clearly states that the experience and training that the DRE status represents will qualify the officer to give an opinion. The opinion is unequivocal and unanimous. What a great win for the Lancaster County Attorney and Nebraska.http://drugrecognitionexpert.blogspot.com/ 

Another way to ensure we eliminate impaired driving in our state – thanks to all. 

http://www.maddnebraska.org/news_and_numbers/research

MADD Nebraska would like to take this opportunity to let you know that MADD is holding our 23rd annual “Tie One On For Safety” kick-off and  Governor Dave Heineman and First Lady Sally Ganem will be hosting an open house after the press conference, Tuesday, December 22nd at 9:30. 

It is such a treat to partner with First Lady Sally Ganem, MADD National Board member, and Governor Heineman as we all work to encourage the public to be mindful of the holiday season.  Next week we want to remind everyone to drive safe, sober and always wear your seatbelt throughout the holiday season and the entire year – 2010! 

A few tips for the season: 

Always Designate a Sober Driver 

Never serve alcohol to anyone under 21  

Allow plenty of time between trips as you travel  

Your seatbelt is your best defense against drunk driving 

Make a pledge to drive safe, sober and buckled up in 2010 – for your family! 

Tis the season.......Happy Holidays from MADD.

Boy oh boy have the phones here at the office been ringing like crazy.  I think in the ten years I have worked with MADD we have only canceled the victim impact panel twice.  MADD has a pretty tough line on this we are pretty much like the mailman “come rain or shine” but we are a traffic safety non-profit and we certainly do not want to put individuals at risk by driving in inclement weather.

 

 There is not a MADD victim impact panel tonight on Tuesday, December 8th, 2009.  The church closes when the school closes but even so MADD still would have canceled because we would not ask our volunteers to be out in this weather, our volunteer speakers or those that need to attend – asking individuals to travel in this weather would pose a public safety hazard and MADD is ALL for safe driving.

 

You can find the next MADD victim impact panel at our website: http://www.maddnebraska.org/vips/vip_schedule.  

Drive safe, sober and buckled up!

 

To each a happy holiday, safe driving and always remember to wear your seatbelt, designate a sober driver and never serve to anyone under 21. 

Squadron commander receives Nebraska Admiralship

by 2nd Lt. Ken Scholz
55th Wing Public Affairs

First Lady Sally Ganem presents Admiralship

12/1/2009 - OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. (AFNS) – A special ceremony for Maj. Dana McCown’s promotion to lieutenant colonel Nov. 24 became much more as Nebraska first lady Sally Ganem took to the podium during the ceremony..

The wife of Nebraska governor Dave Heineman bestowed Colonel McCown with an Admiralship in the Great Navy of Nebraska for the colonel’s personal commitment to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization.

“It is truly an honor and a privilege to present this award to Dana McCown,” said Ms. Ganem.

The award, Nebraska’s highest honor, carries with it no real military title, pay or duties, but is an honorary title bestowed by the governor to those who have benefitted the state.  The award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to help the citizens of Nebraska, said Ms. Ganem.

Sim Reynolds, executive director of MADD Nebraska, said Colonel McCown attended a MADD training program about a year ago. Since then, Ms. Reynolds said, the colonel has brought passion, leadership and spirit to the organization and her talks have helped educate thousands about the dangers of drunk driving.

In June 2007, Colonel McCown and her sister, Michele Pennington, lost their mother and father in a drunk driving accident in Florida.

“It was a year plus, when I later joined MADD,” the colonel said. “MADD Nebraska took us in as family, hey were sincere in their empathy and caring.”

“Dana McCown is success,” said the colonel’s long-time mentor and friend Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer, commander of Warner Robins Air Logistics Center at Robins Air Force Base, Ga. “She’s sincere, understanding, caring; she communicates, has experience, sets the standard and shares.”

Colonel McCown has participated in numerous victim impact panels, fundraisers and family events, as well as shared her experience through locally televised public service announcements.

“Sometimes volunteers don’t get the recognition they deserve,” Ms. Ganem said, “but because of the impact Dana’s had on the citizens of Nebraska with her involvement with MADD, we wanted to make sure she was recognized.”

The new lieutenant colonel, a Bowling Green, Ky., native, entered the Air Force more than 22 years ago as an enlisted Airman. She was recently appointed chairwoman of the executive state operations council of MADD Nebraska and now has joined the prestigious ranks of the Nebraska Admiralty as well.

“I feel like I’ve gotten so much more out of MADD than what I’ve given,” Colonel McCown said.

Well, back to work after five days at home.  I truly enjoyed my time off, entertaining my family for the holiday and watching Husker Football. However, by Sunday afternoon, I have to tell you I was looking forward to the office door, the messy desk, the phone ringing, and I welcomed a cyber mailbox full of notes and messages.  Ahh, the welcome of office routine.  Getting down to business at hand, responding to mail both snail and cyber forms!  I have to tell you as much as I like the holidays and the joy of family life, likewise, I truly like my job and those that I work with on a day-to-day basis and across the state. 

Today I even enjoyed looking at the bills and reviewing the budget. I know hard to believe but true!  Well we are six months into our budget and so far so good – knock on wood!  I have worked harder this year than any other year to raise money but I have to tell you it has been rewarding and it is paying off.  Also, I want to tell you I have not had to do it alone.  That is the best news and again why I am so glad to be back at work.  MADD is one BIG family and that is something I can hang my hat on.  Speaking of our MADD family I have pictures to share of a very important event and I will share those later this week.  We can all stand proud of MADD Nebraska and the many fine leaders on the Nebraska State Operations Council.  Another reason to come to work!

Sitting 400 miles away a press release came across my e-mail but this one was not the usual news. No. It was news that even a veteran victim advocate was touched by and sadness filled my heart for the community, school and family.  As I read the news release, 2 sisters, 17 & 15, in Box Butte County were driving to school when they were hit by a pick-up truck.  Both sisters died at the scene.It is difficult to imagine the magnitude of pain associated with the traumatic death of not one but two loved ones.  For many grief is unchartered territory and can be very unsettling. Here at MADD we know one of the hardest parts of grief is the apparent “Senselessness of the Death.”  People generally understand that death occurs when bodies grow old or are no longer able to fight disease.  Knowing that your child was just on their way to school doing what every other child is doing – well that is one of the most painful aspects of your grieving. 

 Now the world, as you knew it, is forever changed when someone experiences a traumatic and unexpected death.  There was no time to say good-by. However painful and difficult, grieving is necessary to heal and to find new meaning in life.

As we face those challenges here are a few coping tips:                                                                

There are a variety of items that come across the wires that seem unbelievable.  Drunk driving not only does not discriminate - the crime takes place in a multitude of forms.

However, sadly today I read about a drunk driving conviction in Buffalo County  where a young man, more than twice the legal limit, was stopped while dragging a horse behind a stock trailer near Sumner.  The offender, Troy Brockmann, 22, left the rodeo July 4th. Brockman failed to untie the horse, then made the choice to drink and drive and eventually he was apprehended and arrested. 

 http://www.kearneyhub.com/news/local/article_c33f58ba-c986-11de-92eb-001cc4c03286.html

Tyler Brockman pleaded no contest to DUI

 Brockman was stopped after dragging the horse for about a mile. The horse was then put into the trailer.  The horse was found dead July 6th in Phelps’ County.

As a victim advocate for our members across the state, we support victims and ensure they understand how to provide their victim impact statement to the courts so the victim’s voice is heard.  However, with this how will we all ensure that what happened to this horse, as a result of being dragged behind a vehicle while the offender drove well over the legal limit, is voiced for the victim (the horse). In this case a dead horse.

We should all take time to send in our victim impact statement http://www.madd.org/Files/Victim-Impact-Statement-Workbook.aspxto Dawson County Court http://www.dawsoncountyne.net/offices/index.html where there is a felony charge of cruel neglect of an animal resulting in death – pending.

We may not have been impacted personally by this event but we have a duty to ensure the offender is held accountable for his actions.  Speaking out is the right thing to do – if we don’t who will?  Drunk drivers must be held accountable.  For the horse  -voice your concern.

 Letter To The Editor From MADD Nebraska

It was disappointing to read Mr. Rex Alberts comments in the Kearney Hub demonizing MADD http://www.kearneyhub.com/search/?q=MADD&t=article&l=10&d=&d1=&d2=&s=start_time&sd=desc&f=html. 

I have been the Executive Director of MADD Nebraska for 10 years. I can assure you I was not impacted by drunk driving when I sought the job; rather I have a Masters Degree in Public Health, from the Teachers’ College, at UNL.

Additionally, I can assure you drunk driving does not discriminate and we have as many males as we do have females involved in our organization statewide http://www.maddnebraska.org/about/state_operations_council . 

The Legislature is heavily male dominated and senators continually listen to the concerns of their constituents.  Drunk driving is unacceptable and 100% preventable.

In 2008, in Nebraska there were 208 fatal car crashes of which 67 (32%) were a result of an alcohol-related crash.  As Nebraskans, we can all stand proud that we have saved lives and communities across the state are making a difference daily.

Last year alone, MADD Nebraska sent out more than 1,200 ”We Care” cards to those impacted by drunk driving, went to court over 30 times on behalf of those injured or killed and MADD provided direct service to more than 300 victims impacted by this crime.

 On behalf of MADD and our members across the state, I want to thank our citizens for making the right choice: designate a sober driver & never serve to those under 21.

MADD’s Mission is: to stop drunk driving support victims impacted by this crime and prevent underage drinking. 

Simera Reynolds, M.Ed.

State Executive Director

MADD Nebraska

www.maddnebraska.org

As you may well know by now, Halloween is on a Saturday and this causes MADD to pause with some concern.  Law Enforcement will be on their toes and that includes Lincoln Police Department as the will hold sobriety checkpoints across Lincoln. http://www.1011now.com/home/headlines/67090522.html

There is nothing scary about the checkpoints unless you are driving impaired, under suspension, have an outstanding warrant, etc. For our readers I just wanted to outline the basics of sobriety checkpoints:

• What is a sobriety checkpoint?
• In a sobriety checkpoint, law enforcement officials set up clearly visible checkpoints at certain points on the road where typically high rates of drunk driving crashes occur. Vehicles are stopped in a specific sequence, such as every other vehicle. Police evaluate the driver for signs of impairment, and if they suspect the driver is intoxicated, the driver must take a breathalyzer test. If drivers’ BAC measure the illegal limit of .08 or higher, they will be arrested immediately. Checkpoints deter drunk driving and save lives.
• How effective are sobriety checkpoints?
• Sobriety checkpoints work. Research shows that highly publicized, highly visible and frequent sobriety checkpoints reduce fatal drunk driving crashes by an average of 24 percent. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving supports this crackdown using sobriety checkpoints to stop drunk drivers, and ultimately deter drunk driving.
• Aren’t sobriety checkpoints unfair to safe drivers?
• The public doesn’t think so. Public opinion survey data indicates that virtually all (87 percent) of Americans support sobriety checkpoints to find and arrest drunk drivers.
• How do Americans feel about tougher enforcement?
• An overwhelming number of Americans agree that drunk driving must be eliminated and that strong law enforcement is the solution. The public demands action. Support for sobriety checkpoints has increased from 79 percent in 1993 to 87 percent in 2005. Americans view drunk driving as one of the greatest threats to themselves and their families on the roads. They fully support efforts to decrease this crime.
• What is the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving?
• MADD launched the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving in November 2006, to revitalize national efforts to combat drunk driving and raise the fight to a new, unprecedented level. The Campaign calls for high-visibility law enforcement, mandatory ignition interlock for all convicted drunk drivers, the development of advanced vehicle-based technology to detect and stop drunk drivers, and mobilization of community support. The Campaign is working you can support a nation without drunk driving! http://www.madd.org/Drunk-Driving/Drunk-Driving/Campaign-to-Eliminate-Drunk-Driving.aspx

Wishing everyone a Great Saturday!

Simera Reynolds

State Executive Director