Memorial Day, widely recognized as the unofficial start of summer, also marks the launch of MADD’s annual “Safe Summer” campaign — a national initiative aimed at curbing impaired driving, educating teens, and promoting responsible behavior on the roads and waterways through Labor Day.
“No matter how you choose to celebrate,” said Stacey D. Stewart, MADD’s chief executive, “the most important decision you can make is not to drive — or allow anyone else to drive — under the influence. One decision can make all the difference.”
The holiday, which often involves three days of travel, parties, and outdoor activities, has become one of the deadliest periods of the year on American roads and waterways. In 2022 alone, 215 lives were lost in alcohol-related traffic crashes during the Memorial Day holiday period, accounting for 43 percent of all roadway fatalities during that time, according to federal traffic safety data.
The dangers extend beyond the pavement. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that alcohol continues to be the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, responsible for 79 deaths — or 17 percent of all boating fatalities — in 2023. That risk extends to other recreational vehicles as well, including all-terrain vehicles and jet skis.
“These are preventable tragedies,” Ms. Stewart said. “And prevention begins with a plan.”
MADD encourages holiday revelers to arrange for a sober ride in advance, whether through a designated driver, rideshare, or public transportation. For those enjoying time on the water, the organization advises postponing drinking until back on shore and ensuring that a sober captain is always at the helm.
The “Safe Summer” campaign targets several high-risk holiday weekends — Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day — when fatalities caused by impaired driving typically surge. The initiative also draws attention to the heightened risks faced by teen drivers during the summer break.
According to the American Automobile Association, more than 7,000 people died in crashes involving teen drivers between 2010 and 2019 during the summer months. That’s more than 1,000 deaths each year between Memorial Day and the start of the school year.
In response, MADD is urging parents to engage in early, frequent conversations with their teenagers about driving responsibly. Its “Power of Parents” handbook offers families guidance for starting those conversations and helping young drivers make safer choices.
The organization’s safety message coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Click It or Ticket” campaign — a nationwide push for seatbelt use, one of the most effective protections against injury or death in a crash.
Since its founding in 1980, Mothers Against Drunk Driving has helped reduce alcohol-related driving deaths in the United States by more than 40 percent. The nonprofit has played a key role in policy advocacy, including support for the HALT Drunk Driving Law, which requires anti-impaired driving technology in all new vehicles.
MADD continues to provide no-cost support to victims and families affected by impaired driving, offering services through trained advocates and a 24-hour help line.
As the nation prepares to honor its fallen service members, MADD hopes Americans will also honor life — by making the decision not to drive under the influence, and by encouraging others to do the same.