Government

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott honors Mothers Against Drunk Driving during National Crime Victims Rights Week

Applauds organization’s public awareness efforts to keep children safe

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

April 20, 2006

AMARILLO—Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott joined Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in Amarillo April 18 to commemorate National Crime Victims Rights Week and to recognize MADD for its continued leadership and commitment to saving lives and preventing fatalities on America’s highways, curbing underage drinking, and strengthening victims’ rights. Attorney General Abbott was joined by Virginia Gonzalez, the West Texas Executive Director for MADD.

Some Key Points For children ages 2 to 14, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in the United States. Up to two-thirds of car accidents in which passenger children die are the direct result of a drunk driver. Nationally, 16,694 people were killed in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in 2004, accounting for 39% of all traffic-related deaths. In Texas, the number of alcohol-related accidents has dropped from 2,801 in 1982 to 1,642 in 2004. Texas is the deadliest state in the nation when it comes to DWI.

“The tireless work of MADD over the years has brought the tragedy of drunk driving to the forefront of the public, legislators, and prosecutors,” said Attorney General Abbott. “Alcohol-related deaths are down significantly in Texas, and I believe that steady decline can in large part be attributed to MADD’s advocacy in getting tougher consequences for offenders and heightening public awareness. Unfortunately, Texas continues to be the deadliest state in the nation when it comes to DWI, making their continued work all the more important. I am honored to join MADD today in remembering victims of this violent crime and encourage all Texans to support continued efforts to end the tragic cycle of drunk driving.”

According to the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration, 16,694 people were killed nationally in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in 2004, accounting for 39% of all traffic-related deaths. In Texas, the number of alcohol-related accidents has dropped from 2,801 in 1982 to 1,642 in 2004; however, Texas remains the deadliest state in the nation when it comes to DWI.

MADD notes that for children ages 2 to 14, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in the United States, and up to two-thirds of car accidents in which passenger children die are the direct result of a drunk driver. With its ongoing “Every Child Deserves A Designated Driver” public awareness campaign, MADD advocates on behalf of children who are passengers in vehicles in which the driver, usually a parent, is intoxicated.

“MADD, my office, and prosecutors around the state want to get drunk drivers off the street, and MADD’s recent public awareness campaign targets not only the would-be drunk driver, but also other adults in a child’s life that can persuade someone who has had too much to drink not to drive, especially when a child is involved,” added Attorney General Abbott.

MADD has received $1.6 million in grant funding from the Attorney General’s Crime Victims Services Division since Abbott took office in 2002. The funding has gone towards the operation of several local MADD chapters around Texas that help victims deal with emotional and financial difficulties following a drunk driving accident.

The grants were made following a formal application and review process. The grant funding was approved by the 2005 Legislature and is provided through the state Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, which is managed by the Office of the Attorney General. Grants go statewide for services such as grief counseling, shelters for abuse victims, and to advocate for victims of violent crime.

In addition to the crime victim assistance grants, last year the Attorney General’s Crime Victim Services Division provided more than $85 million from the Fund directly to help victims pay for medical and out of pocket emergency expenses and other costs associated with the crimes committed against them. More information about the Crime Victim Services Division is available by calling (800)252-8011 or by visiting the Attorney General’s Web site: www.oag.state.tx.us