It’s MADD to drive drunk

A local Mothers Against Drunk Driving community organizer has been explaining what people can do to prevent impaired driving.

Chaouki Hamka is the community leader for MADD Windsor and Essex County. The mission of MADD is to stop intoxicated driving and support the victims who have been affected. Hamka said Windsor police have programs informing youth about drunk driving by going to high schools to talk to students about the effects and consequences not only about drunk driving but also driving under the influence of drugs. Hamka said the police do a great job explaining the outcome of impaired driving and getting behind a motorized vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs.

He also said a great way to show students the reality of an actual drinking and driving crash would be to bring in a vehicle that has been involved in a crash.

“Impaired driving is the number one criminal cause of death and not only can Windsor police do a better job but all of us can do a better job by educating ourselves about the danger of impaired driving,” said Hamka

Hamka has traveled around Canada for two years talking to high school students about the dangers of drunk driving he said by doing this he has really got to know the students on a personal level.

“At the end of your day it’s your life so make responsible choices,” said Hamka.

Hamka said there are many years ahead to be successful, and making wrong choices like impaired driving will diminish all of that.

According to Hamka, the city needs tougher laws but it’s just not about the new laws. The city needs effective laws that will deter people from driving impaired. Hamka said things are going in the right direction and authorities are being very proactive in the fight against drunk driving.

Justyna vanPoucke is an 18 year old student at Fleming College and said she has not been directly affected by drunk driving but hearing about accidents in the community involving impaired driving upsets her because people have a choice to get behind the wheel after having too many drinks.

“Kids tend to get way too carried away and I think with the drinking and being 19 that is still young,’ said Van Poucke.

Presentations about drunk driving have made her more aware of the consequences and the affect it can have on herself and other people. Van Poucke said it made her realize how important it is to take drinking and driving seriously because the outcome is not always good and that it could be her or loved ones. For more information about MADD you can visit www.madd.ca.