MADD News:

• • • • • DWI prevention, alcohol treatment, and law enforcement acknowledge ongoing crisis

ALBUQUERQUE – Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) New Mexico will host a DWI Prevention Awareness Day at the state capital Friday, Jan. 27, as a reminder to the public about the ongoing crisis of impaired driving in New Mexico.

Nearly 20 representatives working in the fields of DWI prevention, alcohol treatment, law enforcement, and families representing crash victims/survivors will all be present 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to speak to lawmakers and the general public about this pervasive issue.

“We know that there are grim consequences of alcohol use, specific to New Mexico,” said Executive Director Katrina Latkaof the MADD New Mexico Affiliate. “Data from the New Mexico Department of Health tells us alcohol injury rates are approximately twice the national average. Similarly, New Mexico teen drivers are more likely to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol than any other U.S. student. We should not be losing our New Mexico families to impaired driving – an action that is 100 percent preventable.”

MADD programs, such as Underage Drinking Prevention which serve elementary through high school aged students— and Victim Impact Panel presentations, in which victims of DWI crashes tell their story to offenders of DWI crimes— are just two ways in which MADD works to combat future and repeat intoxicated driving instances in New Mexico.

Speaking to the ways that law enforcement works to prevent DWI offenses in the state, Matt Broom, Deputy Chief, New Mexico State Police stated that “over the last 30 years, the State of New Mexico has made great strides to combat the plague impaired driving has been to our state.  Whether it be through the creation of tougher laws, creation of prevention and awareness programs, or availability of treatment programs our state has and continues to remain committed to addressing this generational problem.”

San Juan County DWI Program Administrator Jennifer Mitchell, who additionally serves as the Alternative Sentencing Director of the Alternative Sentencing Division of San Juan County, shines light on DWI prevention programs that are working to combat this issue on the local level. 

“The DWI programs are working hard on a daily basis to reduce the incidence of DWI across the state. We are providing quality, essential services in our local communities that deserve to be highlighted and recognized,” Mitchell said.

Director Kelly Livingston of the Lea County DWI, Chair, NMC DWI Affiliate, and Chair, NM LDWI Grant Council, highlighted an emerging issue that she hopes this event will help to bring to light: the legalization of recreational cannabis use and its impact on New Mexico state roadways.

“Every year people needlessly die or are seriously injured on our county and state roads because someone made the choice to consume alcohol and/or drugs and then get behind the wheel,” Livingston said. “With the passage of cannabis in New Mexico, although it may be legal for recreational use, it is still unlawful to drive under the influence. The New Mexico DWI Affiliate, in partnership with MADD, is on a mission to reduce the occurrences of impaired driving to ensure New Mexico roads are safe for our residents and visitors. We provide a continuum of services through our treatment, prevention, supervision, and enforcement divisions. Please take a moment to come down to the Roundhouse and meet our teams who are dedicated to eliminating drunk and drugged driving in New Mexico and learn more about our programs.”

The partner organizations coming together on DWI Awareness Day all hope to draw attention to the continuing issue of impaired driving in New Mexico, but also the existence of local, regional and statewide resources for support. 

“We still have a lot of work to do, and I encourage everyone to get involved and get informed,” Matt Broom said. “The New Mexico State Police and all of our fellow law enforcement agencies are just one piece of the puzzle. We all must do our part to prevent impaired driving on our roadways.”

About Mothers Against Drunk Driving:

Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save over 390,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50 percent and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit www.madd.org or call 1-877-ASK-MADD.