Two kids were killed in separate crashes involving suspected drunk drivers this last weekend. In Grand Prairie, a six year old was killed in a crash; in Garland, a 13 year old was killed. In both cases, the driver was charged with intoxication manslaughter.
The suspect in the Garland case had a previous DWI conviction.
"My thoughts and my prayers go out to the families, and we hope, from MADD, that we educate the community so this doesn't happen again," said Mothers Against Drunk Driving's Emma Dugas.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says alcohol contributed to crashes killing 11,654 people across the country in 2020, the most recent year stats were available. NHTSA said that adds up to one fatality every 45 minutes and accounts for 30% of all crashes.
"They all know it's wrong, that they shouldn't get behind that wheel, so it comes down to what's that 'why'?" Dugas said. "What's the 'why' they are using drugs and alcohol to cope with what's going on in their life? It's really a journey to educate them not to revert to those drugs and alcohol, not to revert to those bad situations."
In Garland, police said the driver crossed the center line and hit an oncoming car head-on. The crash killed a 13 year old girl in the other car and injured her mother and a 14 year old friend.
In Grand Prairie, a six year old was hit as he crossed Regency Drive.
Dugas said the organization works to encourage people to plan ahead if they know they will be drinking. On short notice, she said people can still use a ride-share service.
"If alcohol is in their plans, they can use rideshare, they can use Uber, they can use Lyft to get home safely and keep others on the road safe," she said.
MADD also works with police departments to try to teach good habits to kids while they are young.
"We teach middle schoolers and high schoolers, you know those dangers and consequences but also those coping strategies as well," she said. "That way, they are prepared when they are in those unsafe situations and they can make logical decisions."
In some cases, a judge will order people convicted of their first or second DWI to hear from victims of drunk driving.
"We hope to educate those who made those wrong decisions so they don't make that same mistake in the future," Dugas said. "We are very fortunate we have victims' families who want to educate people who made those wrong decisions so other families won't have to go through what they went through."
NHTSA says the 11,654 killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2020 was a 14% increase from 2019.
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