0 LLYUt; an Keep Young Passengers Safe (NAPSA)—Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) wants to remind the public that those who drive drunk are not only making roadways more dangerous—they are endangering the lives of children. From 1997 to 2002, more than 1,500 children died in Carlie McDonald, 5 years old, was killed in 1998 by her mother who drove intoxicated. crashes while riding with a drink- ing driver and 68 percent were unrestrained. MADD recommends creating tougher child endanger- ment DUI/DWI laws and increasing awareness in the legal system. Too often adults who drive drunk with children are not charged with child endangerment. “Driving intoxicated with children in the car is a form of child abuse because a vehicle combined with a drinking driver is a deadly weapon,” said Wendy J. Hamilton, national president of MADD. If you see a visibly impaired adult attempt to drive with a child: Calmly suggest alternative transportation. Call 911. Notify another parent or care- giver of the situation. Teach children techniques for keeping themselves safe, such as sit in the back seat, buckle-up, and put belongings on thefloor. To support child endangerment laws, visit www.madd.org.
