Resource References: MADD Resources
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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 64% of seriously and fatally injured drivers tested at five major trauma centers during the second quarter of 2020 had at least one impairing substance in their system, including opioids, marijuana, alcohol, stimulants, and anti- depressants. The presence of opioids among those drivers jumped from 6.8% in the fourth quarter of 2019 to over 14% in the second and third quarters of 2020, and over 9% in the first and fourth quarters.( 30) Recognizing the alarming increase of prescription drugs amongst drivers, MADD set out to develop a baseline understanding of the prevalence of driving while impaired by prescription drugs and measure public attitudes and awareness of the risks associated with driving under these conditions. In September 2021, with support from the General Motors Foundation, MADD published the MADD Rx Medication & Poly-Drugged Driving Survey. These findings will guide us toward solutions that will honor those we could not save and end impaired driving for good. One of the cornerstones of MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® is increased, high-visibility law enforcement to both catch drunk drivers and — equally important — to deter others by sending a strong message that if you drive drunk or impaired, you will get caught. SUPPORT FOR HIGH-VISIBILITY LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVTIES Over the years, MADD volunteers have joined law enforcement officers at checkpoints and roll calls to support their efforts. Now, more than ever, our heroes in law enforcement need MADD’s presence and encouragement to continue the fight against drunk and drugged driving. With the number of drunk driving deaths up 29% since 2012, the public needs to know that the battle to end this violent crime is intensifying. It’s also important to note that checkpoints and saturation patrols are not just effective in stopping drunk drivers; these countermeasures also work to catch drivers who are impaired by drugs other than alcohol.
MADD's Prescription Drug Report published September 2021
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Mothers Against Drunk Driving ®
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