MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING A MONTHLY EMAIL NEWSLETTER MINNESOTA, NORTH DAKOTA, & SOUTH DAKOTA REGION
DECEMBER 2023 • ISSUE 10 • VOLUME 1
HONORABLE SPOTLIGHT: NICOLE, SISTER OF BRIAN
“Hello! My name is Nicole and my life has been impacted by drunk driving for as long as I can remember. My grandfather was killed by a drunk driver in 1981, my college roommate and I were involved in a hit-and-run crash with a drunk driver in 1991 and my brother Brian was killed by a drunk driver in 1992.
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Brian was a class leader, captain of his high school ski team, an honor roll student and excited to leave for his freshman year at UW Madison in one week. He was my younger brother but I always considered him my older brother because of his protectiveness. My dad worked in the construction industry and found him a summer job working as a flagman on the nightshift where he’d make enough money so he wouldn’t have to work his first year of college. On August 11, 1992, with one hour left in Brian’s shift, a drunk driver celebrating his 21st birthday drove through the barricades on the jobsite, hit Brian head on and carried him 200 feet on the hood of his truck before slamming on his brakes and pitching him into the ditch. Weeks after Brian died, MADD volunteers reached out to our family and offered emotional support. We were also introduced to support groups in our area where we met other families who were experiencing what we were. MADD volunteers also met us at our court hearings and sentencing to guide us through the legal process. Our positive experience with MADD prompted me and my mom to share Brian’s story at the Dakota County Victim Impact Panel and schools throughout Minnesota until 2009. I’ve recently starting sharing his story again at the Dakota County and Hennepin County Victim Impact Panels so that he’s not a faceless statistic. I’m hoping that the offenders will remember Brian the next time they’re faced with the decision to get behind the wheel after drinking.”
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December is a month of festive anticipation, marked by gatherings with friends and family to celebrate the holidays. However, amidst the joy, it also becomes a critical time for preventing impaired driving crashes, which tend to spike during this season. According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA), the week between Christmas and New Year's Day in 2019 210 lives were lost due to alcohol-impaired driving crashes, emphasizing the gravity of the issue. DECEMBER IS NATIONAL IMPAIRED DRIVING PREVENTION MONTH As we navigate the return to in-person events, the risk of impaired driving remains prevalent. Celebrations, ranging from intimate dinners to work- related gatherings, often involve alcohol and substances. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s 2020 survey revealed that over 26 million people drove under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the past year, with approximately 17 percent falling in the 20 to 25 age group. It is crucial to recognize that impaired driving extends beyond alcohol, encompassing various substances such as cannabis, opioids, methamphetamines, and even prescribed medications. The key to preventing tragedies lies in proactive measures and education. Conversations about safe choices during holiday events, the encouragement of alternatives like ride-sharing services, and coordination among parents can significantly reduce the risk of impaired driving crashes. Additionally, addressing the broader issue of impaired driving involving various substances and offering mental health support during the holidays contribute to creating a safer and more joyful festive season for everyone. As we approach the holidays, the power to prevent tragedies lies within each individual. Speaking up about acceptable behavior, not only regarding alcohol but also other substances compromising safety, is a crucial first step. Additionally, the potential holiday blues in our communities means that it is essential to be mindful and offer mental health support when needed. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Victim Services Team for support and services during business hours or our national 24/7 hotline 877- MADD-HELP
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VICTIM SERVICES CONTACTS Minnesota Courtni Peterson 651.523.0802 ext.2757 courtni.peterson@madd.org North Dakota Angela Kutzer 651.523.0802 ext.2760 angela.kutzer@madd.org South Dakota, VS Manager Rachel Martens 605.309.3942 ext. 2752 rachel.martens@madd.org
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