Every Child Deserves A Designated Sober Driver

Children are our greatest resource and our future.

If you see an adult who is visibly impaired attempting to drive with a child in the car:

• Calmly suggest alternative transportation, recommend the driver postpone travel.
• Call 911 with as much information as possible (name of driver, vehicle description, license plate, destination).
• Document situation so that your notes can be used later.
• Notify another parent or caregiver of the situation.
• Teach children techniques for keeping themselves safe if they are ever forced to ride with an impaired driver.
• Report your concerns to the appropriate agency.

Here at MADD we often get calls from concerned parents, family members and neighbors about witnessing a child riding with a drinking driver. 

In May 2000, JAMA reported that “66% of the children 14 years of age and younger that died in an alcohol-related crash died while riding with a parent, caregiver or guardian”.

MADD feels that is unacceptable.  We can do better and MADD is working hard to educate everyone that “Every Child Deserves a Designated Driver“.  As summer fast approaches, make your plans and sitck to them for the child’s sake.

 Simera Reynolds

State Executive Director