DENVER, Dec. 31, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the 2010 holiday crackdown on drunk driving concludes, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Colorado and the law firm of Bachus & Schanker are voicing their support for local law enforcement with a message of deterrence for drivers across Colorado. MADD Colorado urges individuals to Give the Gift of a Designated Driver to their friends and family this holiday season.

During this time of year when drunk driving crashes are dangerously prevalent, MADD Colorado aims to deter individuals from driving drunk and encourage them to plan ahead and designate a sober driver, or arrange another safe ride home, before embarking on their holiday festivities. MADD's Give the Gift of a Designated Driver campaign is designed to encourage people to volunteer to be a designated sober driver for their friends and family during the holiday season. These gift certificates are available online at www.madd.org and are designed to be printed out, emailed or shared via social media platforms.

High-visibility law enforcement efforts are a key part of MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving®-marking its fourth anniversary this November-which also includes support for mandatory ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers and development of advanced technology to turn cars in to the cure.

The merriment of the holidays means drunk driving tragedies during this time of year are especially heart-wrenching. "It is important that we remember the lives taken by drunk drivers over the holidays, while also doing all that we can to save other families from the pain of losing their loved one to this 100 percent preventable crime," said Emily Tompkins, MADD Colorado State Executive Director. "MADD is committed to working with our partners in the community and heroes in law enforcement to deter drunk drivers from making their way onto our roadways."  

"The Give the Gift of a Designated Driver campaign is a great way for concerned citizens to get involved and raise awareness about the importance of safe driving during the holidays," says Darin Schanker, Founding Partner of Bachus & Schanker. "The law firm of Bachus & Schanker is proud to be MADD Colorado's Statewide Sponsor and we join MADD Colorado in calling on people to plan ahead for a safe ride home tonight."

Nationally in 2009, 10,839 people were killed in crashes where a driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or more, and the holidays between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day are some of the most dangerous times on our roadways. Nationwide in 2008, 1,235 people died in drunk driving crashes between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.

About Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Founded by a mother who lost her daughter in a crash, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation's largest nonprofit working to protect families from drunk driving and underage drinking.  With the help of those who want a safer future, MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® will end this danger on American roads.  And, Power of Parents, It's Your Influence® offers research-proven strategies to help parents keep their children safe from the dangers of underage drinking.  One of the largest victim services organizations in the U.S., MADD also supports drunk driving victims and survivors – serving one person every 10 minutes – at no charge.  To learn more about MADD, visit www.madd.org or call 1-800-GET-MADD.  For victims/survivors, call 1-877-MADD-HELP.

SOURCE Mothers Against Drunk Driving Colorado