By Jessica Jackson
Contributing Writer
A number of people die in alcohol-related accidents every year — in 2004 alone, 17,000 victims perished and 500,000 suffered injuries. With the death toll rising every year, Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has established programs to advocate against drunken driving, aid victims of this crime and put an end to underage drinking.
With this life-saving mission in mind, MADD has organized an annual Strides for Change walk to bring members of the North Texas community together to help raise awareness and make the area a safer place to live.
“I can think of no better way for businesses and individuals to come together and help keep our community safe than by participating in and supporting Strides for Change,” said Mary Kardell, executive director for MADD North Texas.
“Walkers and their pledge supporters are the key ingredient in securing the funds necessary for supporting MADD’s existence.”
The walk will take place on April 22 at the Dallas City Hall Plaza beginning at 8 a.m. Every step taken and every pledge made will raise funds and awareness for MADD’s projects, that include several programs on the SMU campus.
Youth Program Specialist Mindy Ward-Logsdon teaches a minor in possession class for students who are court ordered to take an alcohol awareness class.
She also aided the Omega Delta Phi service fraternity the week before spring break for Brothers Against Drunk Driving Week (BADD Week).
“I am on the SMU campus at least once a week. I want the students to know the dangers associated with underage drinking and help them to live safer lives and make smart decisions,” said Ward-Logsdon.
Junior Laura Kingham remembers the impact that BADD week had on her. “Seeing that wrecked car in the middle of campus made me stop and think twice about the decisions I make. I think that event serves as a reality check and definitely saves lives,” said Kingham.
Another junior, Stephanie Hancock, participated in the walk last year and plans to bring her friends along this year to walk again.
“I think it sends a powerful message when thousands of people gather together for a cause. I want to do my part in keeping not only myself, but my friends and my peers safe from the dangers of driving drunk,” said Hancock.
In addition to live entertainment and non-competitive walking, 1700 pairs of shoes will line the walkway to represent the people killed by drunk drivers in Texas in 2005 alone.
This year will mark the third consecutive Strides for Change walk.
Since its conception, the walk has become the annual signature event sponsored by MADD.
It provides men and women all over Texas with the chance to walk and raise funds to help the community provide free victim survivor support and teach young adults to make smart and safe decisions.
Sponsored by Nissan, MADD expects the walk to garner $150,000 this year over the $135,000 raised in 2005.
To register for the event, visit www.stridesforchange.org. “I expect a larger turn out this year,” said Kardell.
“Drunk driving can affect everyone; it’s not like a disease that only affects a few people. And the key to ending alcohol-related accidents is awareness.”