MADD FIGHTS DRUNK DRIVING

The sadness of losing a loved one is magnified when the loss occurs during a special holiday season. And if someone dies because of drunk driving, the sadness can take on the added dimension of rage.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving has worked hard in recent years to raise public awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving. This week the Cape Girardeau MADD Community Action Team held a sobering candlelight vigil at the police department. A Christmas tree was decorated with ornaments bearing the names of loved ones and the dates they died as the result of drinking and driving.

This event was in addition to the seasonal red-ribbon campaign conducted by MADD. Red ribbons are tied on vehicles to remind motorists to let someone else do the driving if they have been drinking. Ribbons are available at the police departments in Cape Girardeau and Jackson as well as the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department.

Please join MADD and everyone else in the effort to keep drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel of a car. It is a year-around effort, but it is especially compelling at this time of year.