GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – “No one is safe when someone is impaired driving.”
After a fatal crash Friday night caused by an allegedly impaired driver, local groups are urging Wisconsinites to take a closer look at how the state addresses impaired driving.
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Mothers Against Drunk Driving, known as MADD, is an organization focused on ending impaired driving. Leaders say part of the challenge in Wisconsin is changing long-standing attitudes about alcohol.
“I just believe that so many people I hear, the excuse is that it’s our culture,” said MADD National Ambassador Sheila Lockwood. “Not doing drugs and driving impaired is not a cultural thing. It is a lack of education, a lack of awareness and a lack of care for other humans.”
Lockwood knows the impact firsthand. Her son was killed in a drunk driving crash.
She said MADD is not telling people they cannot enjoy themselves, but urges them to do so responsibly.
“If you want to have a cocktail, go ahead and have a cocktail — that is just fine,” Lockwood said. “Just don’t drive if you are impaired.”
Ashwaubenon Public Safety Capt. Brian Amenson said the village is looking at ways to improve communication with local taverns and bars.
The goal is to better promote rideshare programs and other transportation options to keep impaired drivers off the road.
“It’s just a matter of somebody knowing about that resource and then utilizing that resource,” Amenson said. “I think it is a multifaceted effort. I think the taverns can do a better job, and we can publicize better.”
Amenson hopes tragedies like this prompt reflection and change within the community.
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“We have an issue — we have a drinking issue and a drinking-and-driving issue — in the state of Wisconsin that needs to be looked at and given serious thought in how we can prevent one more crash,” he said.
Both groups encourage anyone planning to go out to make a safe transportation plan and to never drink and drive.
