Mothers Against Drunk Driving to Celebrate DUI Campaign Achievement at Golden Shield Honors
Online, March 22, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The Golden Shield Honors is the paramount achievement for Georgia's initiative to keep impaired drivers off the road, increase awareness of the consequences of driving under the influence, and impact DUI legislation. Mothers Against Drunk Driving - Georgia (MADD-GA) and the Governor's Office on Highway Safety (GOHS) will celebrate 440 honorees from communities throughout the state for outstanding service at the event Thursday at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park.
In 2011, there were 298 DUI fatalities on Georgia roads and highways. Georgia currently ranks 7th in the nation in MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. MADD-GA Executive Director, Barry Martin, says Georgia is among states with the lowest percentage of DUI deaths.
"We are making great strides in DUI education, prevention, and enforcement in our state," declares Martin. "It is the dedication and sacrifice of these officers that saves lives."
Martin reminds of such sacrifice this past January when Officer Gail Thomas of the Atlanta Police Department was struck and killed by a drunk driver. MADD-GA reports alcohol-related traffic deaths are down 11% statewide from the previous year - a reason to celebrate.
Officers will be awarded DUI Achievement Pins according to the number of DUI arrests made in 2011. Officers and Agencies with the highest number of DUI arrests will receive the DUI Hero Award. Officer of the Year, Agency of the Year, Post of the Year, HEAT/DUI Task Force of the Year, and Traffic Enforcement Network of the Year, Jerry Thompson Law Enforcement Partnership Award, and the Golden Achievement Award will be presented to distinguished individuals and organizations for their contributions to the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. Terry Schiavone, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 4 Administrator and Georgia State Attorney General Sam Olens will be addressing honorees at the event.
The 8th Annual Golden Shield Honors will be held at the Georgia International Convention Center located at 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30037, March 22nd from 11am - 2pm. For more information, contact Lakeitha Grey at 404.923.059. The list and photos of winners are available to publish after the event.
About MADD-GA: Founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation's largest nonprofit working to protect families from drunk driving, underage drinking and provide victim services. MADD-GA, serves all 159 Georgia counties.
For more information, contact:
Lakeitha Grey
Behave
678.733.1480
lsgrey@letsbehave.com
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