Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Gives Presentation to LQHS Seniors

On May 7, the 2013 LQHS senior class attended a presentation on behalf of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), where Riverside County director Lory Smith-Gleason advocated students to drive safely without the influence of drugs and alcohol, as she told the tragic story of how her 20-year-old son, Ryan Smith, was killed in a car crash when a drunk driver collided with his vehicle.

Founded by a mother whose daughter was also killed by a drunk driver, MADD is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization working to protect families from drunk driving and underage drinking. MADD also supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, serving one person every eight minutes through local MADD victim advocates.

As part of the presentation, Smith-Gleason showed various short films that further emphasized the deadly effects of driving under the influence, hoping students are more cautious of their actions when behind the wheel. “It definitely had an impact on me and I’ll be sure to be extra careful when on the road,” stated Alexandria Jones (12).

The MADD presentation served as a warning to seniors leaving high school to make wise choices in their lives as young adults, and to be responsible on prom night.  “You have your whole lives ahead of you; you shouldn’t ruin your dreams because of dumb actions,” advised Smith-Gleason to the seniors.