02 Dec 4TH ANNUAL ILLUMINATE MADD CALIFORNIA: LIGHTING UP IN RED TO HONOR VICTIMS AND END IMPAIRED DRIVING
In California, 1,355 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2023
“Illuminate is about shining a light on victims and survivors, while also inspiring communities to take action,” said Patricia Rillera, Regional Executive Director of MADD California and Hawaii State Offices. “The holidays are the deadliest time of year on our roadways, and through this campaign, we are calling on every Californian to plan ahead and make safe choices. Ending impaired driving requires a collective movement, with each of us playing a part.”
On December 5th, Southern California will unite in a powerful regional display of awareness and advocacy, with dignitaries and landmarks across Southern California participating. In Los Angeles County, key sites include Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles City Hall, the Hall of Justice, Union Station, the U.S. Bank Tower, and the Los Angeles Police Academy. Civic leaders such as Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Senator Bob Archuleta, and representatives from the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, and LAPD will be engaged. Additional participation comes from the CHP Central Los Angeles, the Consulate General of Mexico, Temple City and Temple City High School, and the Whittier LGBTQ Center. In Orange County, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and Senator Tony Strickland will be joined by the cities of Seal Beach, Dana Point, Irvine, and Santa Ana. Notable landmarks include the Irvine Clocktower, Cal State Fullerton, and the PCH Pedestrian Bridge at Dana Point Harbor Drive. The Niguel Shores Overcrossing will feature illuminated “Don’t Drink and Drive” lettering, reinforcing the message of safety and remembrance.
MADD is honored to once again partner with Waymo for this year’s campaign, joining together in a collaborative effort to end impaired driving for good. “Waymo is proud to once again join Mothers Against Drunk Driving of Southern California’s ‘Illuminate MADD” campaign,” said Nuna Atadja, Waymo Public Affairs Manager. “Waymo shares in MADD’s mission of ‘no more victims,’ and is honored to be a longstanding partner to this organization, as well as the first responders and families it supports.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving claimed 4,931 lives during the December months from 2019 to 2023. In California alone, 1,355 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2023, a 4.5% decrease from 2022, yet nearly 55% higher than in 2014. Alcohol-impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal and serious injury crashes on California’s roads.
MADD California is encouraging everyone to take proactive steps to help keep the roads safe this holiday season. Here are a few safety tips to keep top of mind:
- Plan Ahead – Never Drive Impaired: Roadways are particularly hazardous in December and January due to factors including holiday festivities, seasonal travel, and winter weather conditions, but impaired driving is completely preventable. If you plan to drink during holiday festivities, make a plan before the night begins. Use a rideshare, designate a sober driver, or take public transit. Impaired driving includes cars, bikes, golf carts, and ATVs.
- Be a Responsible Host: If you’re hosting a holiday party, MADD encourages hosts to play an active role in keeping everyone safe. By helping guests plan a safe way home or offering them a place to stay, hosts can significantly reduce the risk of impaired driving crashes and make this holiday season safer for all.
- Sober Drivers, Stay Alert: Watch for impaired drivers. Buckle up, drive slowly, and stay focused.
- Talk to Teens About Risky Behavior: The holiday season is a good time for parents to discuss underage drinking and safe choices. MADD’s Power of Parents handbook is a proven tool to start the conversation.
- If You See Something, Say Something: If you suspect an impaired driver, call 911. One call could save a life or prevent a serious injury.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is a national nonprofit leading the movement to end impaired driving for good. Since 1980, MADD has helped reduce drunk driving deaths in America by more than 40%, saved nearly 500,000 lives, and served nearly one million victims and survivors. The organization is committed to leading prevention efforts with young adults, collaborating with law enforcement to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers, as well as advocating for stricter sentencing and stronger laws, including the HALT Drunk Driving Law that mandates anti-drunk driving technology in every new car. MADD continues to provide support services to victims and survivors of impaired driving at no charge through victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. For more information or to donate, visit https://madd.org/ and follow MADD on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
About Waymo
Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver—The World’s Most Experienced Driver™—to improve everyone’s access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hailing service has served over 10 million trips to riders in San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta. The Waymo Driver has autonomously driven over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states. For more, visit Waymo.com.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.