MADD Provides Tips to Help Drivers Stay Safe on the Road this Memorial Day Weekend

-- In 2010, 158 people nationwide died in drunk driving crashes over the holiday weekend --

DALLAS, May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As families across the country get ready to kick off the summer and honor our military heroes this Memorial Day weekend, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) urges motorists to stay safe on the road during a time of year when drunk driving deaths typically increase. Over Memorial Day weekend in 2010 (the most recent year for which there is data), 158 people were killed in drunk driving crashes nationwide.

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"MADD wants people to be safe on the roads this holiday weekend, so we have some tips to help," said MADD National President Jan Withers. "Coupled with law enforcement's efforts to deter and detect drunk driving, we hope this information will help keep our loved ones safe."

Here are five tips for safe driving over the holiday weekend and year-round:

1)    Plan a safe way home. Arrange a sober ride home, or offer to be the sober designated driver.

2)    Wear a seat belt. Seat belt usage is one of the best ways to stay safe on our roadways.

3)    Don't call or text. Any form of impaired driving poses a serious threat to those on the road.

4)    Slow down. Respect all posted speed limits.

5)    Be aware. Pay attention to other drivers on the road and avoid those driving erratically.

Law enforcement agencies across the country will be intensifying their efforts over the holiday weekend, so MADD encourages drivers to utilize these tips, which have the power to save lives and prevent injuries.

For more information about how to spot a drunk driver, visit http://www.madd.org/drunk-driving/how-to-spot-a-drunk-driver.html. If you do see a drunk driver, here are some tips about what to do: http://www.madd.org/drunk-driving/what-to-do-if-you-see-a-drunk.html.

To learn more about MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, which includes support for high-visibility law enforcement, visit www.madd.org/campaign.

About Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation's largest nonprofit working to protect families from drunk driving and underage drinking. With the help of those who want a safer future, MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® will end this danger on America's roads. PowerTalk 21® is the national day for parents to talk with their kids about alcohol, using the proven strategies of Power of Parents™ to reduce the risk of underage drinking. And as one of the largest victim services organizations in the U.S., MADD also supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, serving one person every nine minutes through local MADD victim advocates and at 1-877-MADD-HELP.  Learn more at www.madd.org or by calling 1-877-ASK-MADD.

SOURCE Mothers Against Drunk Driving