MADD efforts in South Dakota
This month and year-round, MADD works with other local agencies to keep drunk drivers off the roads
RAPID CITY, S.D. – National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month is an annual designation observed in December. It’s a reminder to all that if you’re planning on drinking – not just over the holidays – do not operate a vehicle. One organization that is committed to advocating for stronger laws and creating a world of “No More Victims” is MADD, or Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
According to MADD, 2 out of 3 people will be impacted by a drunk driving crash in their lifetime. The statistics go on and on, but when you listen to Connie Hobbs’ story, those stats jump off the page and become very real.
Twenty-four years ago, she was hit by a drunk driver, with her two daughters in the back seat – only one survived. Her daughter, Leslie, would have been 34 years old this year.
The story isn’t easy to share, but Connie feels it’s important to spread the message.
“The pain is not so much anymore, but I think I get angry because it’s such a simple thing – don’t drink and drive … make a plan.”
South Dakota MADD has been campaigning for the cause for over 30 years in the state.
Connie’s personal mission is to advocate for stricter DUI and child endangerment laws in South Dakota so that no more innocent victims and families will be impacted.
She advocates tirelessly against drunk and drugged driving, speaking twice a month at victim impact panels, which help offenders to internalize the lasting of substance-impaired driving.
MADD works together with law enforcement to keep drunk and drugged drivers off the streets. The partnership works not only this month but year-round, encouraging people to drive sober and defensively.
Connie’s crash could have been avoided – now she can only share her tragedy with a simple request.
“Don’t drink and drive. Buckle up. Buckling up is your best defense against a drunk driver.”
Click here for more information on MADD.
