As our nation prepares for the 4th of July holiday Mothers Against Drunk Driving is encouraging residents to make plans before they begin drinking.

“Celebrate the holiday weekend, but plan ahead for a safe ride home – call Uber or a taxi, take public transportation or ride with a person who is alcohol free”, said Amanda Eldredge, MADD West Texas Affiliate. “To help ensure you get home safely MADD is partnering with Uber to provide free rides for new users. To get your free ride you need to download the Uber app and enter the following promo code, MADDLUBBOCK.”

In 2014 over the four-day 4th of July holiday weekend, 164 people were killed in drunk driving crashes. That’s a 50% increase over an average day, and 41% of all traffic deaths were drunk driving related, the third most deadly holiday for drunk driving (behind New Year’s and Super Bowl).

Across the nation, drunk driving continues to be a problem on our roads, and a majority of the American public believes it is a significant threat to their safety.  MADD is working hard to end drunk driving so there are no more victims. Until then, as you head out this holiday weekend, and every day, consider these tips:

  • Plan ahead and designate a non-drinking driver or use alternate transportation.
  • Advocate for ignition interlock legislation in your state.
  • Support campaigns such as Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
  • Always be alert, wear your seatbelt and avoid distractions when you drive.

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 eight 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.

(News release from Mothers Against Drunk Driving)