Mothers Against Drunk Driving urges drivers to pledge sobriety this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving sober driving pledge

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is calling on drivers to commit to staying sober behind the wheel throughout the Thanksgiving holiday period. The organization links this pledge to the high number of road trips and celebrations, when alcohol consumption often increases and crash risks rise sharply.

Why the pledge matters

MADD highlights that Thanksgiving Eve and the following days see a surge in traffic combined with more social drinking, which has historically led to a spike in alcohol‑related crashes and deaths. The group stresses that every impaired‑driving crash is preventable and that each loss leaves “an empty seat at the table” during family gatherings.

“Every single drunk driving death is preventable. Every single drunk driving death forever leaves an empty seat at the table.”

Safe choices for holiday travel

To support the sobriety pledge, MADD urges anyone who plans to drink to arrange a non‑drinking, designated driver or use safe transportation options rather than driving themselves. Hosts are encouraged to take part by offering appealing non‑alcoholic drinks, good food and appreciation to sober drivers who help guests get home safely.

Campaigns and public awareness

MADD connects the Thanksgiving message with its broader campaigns that promote the idea that drinking and driving must never be combined. The organization invites people to show support by displaying red ribbons on their vehicles and sharing holiday safety messages and hashtags that discourage heavy drinking traditions tied to Thanksgiving Eve.

About Mothers Against Drunk Driving

MADD was founded by a mother whose child was killed by a drunk driver and has since grown into a large nonprofit focused on ending drunk driving, fighting drug‑impaired driving, supporting victims and preventing underage drinking. The group emphasizes enforcement, technology solutions and public education, and reports that its efforts have contributed to a significant reduction in drunk driving fatalities over the years.

Author’s summary: MADD uses the Thanksgiving travel rush to push a clear message: celebrate as you wish, but keep impaired people out of the driver’s seat so every family can gather without added tragedy.

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WCAX on MSN WCAX on MSN — 2025-11-26

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