[ Summer message ]

Dear Friends,
For more than 20 years, MADDas been working to make our nation’s roads safer. Because so many people drive for family vacations during the summer months, we wanted to share some simple life-saving tips for you and your family.
Common-sense tips for highway travel
Drive sober and well-rested. It's also a good idea to stop every few hours and take a break.
Drive the posted speed limits and allow extra time for unexpected traffic and weather conditions.
Buckle up ― it is the best defense against a drunk, speeding or aggressive driver.
Children 12 and under should ride properly restrained in the back seat. Never place a rear-facing child safety seat in the front seat where a front-mounted passenger air bag is present. (Each year motor vehicle crashes claim the lives of close to 1,800 children under 14, and more than a quarter of a million more are injured.)
If possible, have a cell phone in case of emergencies. But don't try to talk on the phone while driving -- it's a good idea to turn your phone off before you start driving and let people leave messages.
Even when you take precautions, you still need to be aware of other drivers ― especially if they appear to be driving dangerously.
If you spot someone driving erratically, do not attempt to stop the vehicle. Take down a license plate number, a description of the vehicle and the direction it’s traveling and immediately report it to the proper authorities. Safety begins at home....
Even if you aren’t planning a road trip this summer, MADD ONLINE ― http://www.madd.org ― has helpful hints on how to keep family and friends safe at the holidays or any time you get together.
MADD’s Safe Party Guide gives you practical tips on how you can host a socially responsible party for friends or co-workers, and make sure that everyone gets home safely. Recipes for non-alcoholic beverages are even included!
A Parent's Guide on Teenagers & Drinking has practical tips for all parents from a fresh perspective. Whether you’re hosting the party, or your teen is attending someone else’s party, make sure your teen’s celebration is fun, not fatal..
Mothers Against Drunk Driving is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit, grass roots organization with more than 600 chapters and affiliates nationwide. MADD is not against responsible alcohol consumption, among adults 21 and over. Our focus is to look for effective solutions to the drunk driving and underage drinking problems, while supporting those who have already experienced the pain of these senseless crimes .