The initiative, called Take a Minute. Make a Plan., is a collaboration between MADD and Diageo North America, with support from the N.F.L. and Uber. The campaign draws on the rituals of football fans — whether watching from stadium seats, crowded bars or living rooms — to remind people that a minute of preparation can prevent tragedy.
“Every Thanksgiving, we pause to reflect on what matters most, and that includes the safety of every person traveling to be with the ones they love,” said Stacey D. Stewart, MADD’s chief executive. She emphasized that deciding on a safe ride before the festivities begin is among the simplest and most effective ways to prevent impaired driving.
The timing of the message is pointed. Thanksgiving Eve has increasingly become known as “Blackout Wednesday,” a night of heavy drinking that precedes one of the year’s busiest travel days.
Diageo North America, a global spirits company, said it sees the partnership as an opportunity to deepen its role in community safety efforts. “We are proud of the work we are doing together to help make communities safer by encouraging football fans to bring the same dedication they have for their teams to the fight against impaired driving,” said Stephanie Childs, the company’s executive vice president for corporate relations.
As the campaign relaunches, MADD is also highlighting progress on a federal law passed in 2021 — the HALT Drunk Driving Act — which will require new vehicles to be equipped with technology designed to prevent impaired driving. Once fully implemented, the technology could save more than 10,000 lives each year, according to estimates from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
“A future free of impaired driving crashes is near,” Ms. Stewart said, calling the law a pivotal step toward safer roads nationwide.
With millions preparing to travel in the coming week, MADD is urging Americans to celebrate responsibly, make transportation plans in advance and avoid driving under the influence — steps the group hopes will make the holiday season one of gratitude rather than grief.