ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A statewide organization is working to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.
Moms Against Drunk Driving Florida, better known as MADD, has launched its third annual 'Ride Like MADD' cycle challenge.
To complete the Ride Like MADD challenge, you must bike at least 39 miles. That number is symbolic of the victims who are killed by impaired drivers approximately every 39 minutes in the United States.
It's a virtual event, so you can choose when and how you complete those 39 miles — all at once, in increments, out on the roadways or on a stationary bike at home or the gym.
MADD Florida leaders say with each pedal stroke, participants advocate for safer roads for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers, while honoring the lives lost or altered by these preventable tragedies.
MADD Florida hopes participants will fundraise to support their work, with all donations staying here in Florida, benefiting their prevention programs.
The goal is to start a conversation about this issue. Therefore, participants are encouraged to share their rides using #NoMoreVictims or #RideLikeMADD. The challenge also has a Strava group.
According to the latest data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida sees an average of nearly 5,600 crashes involving drugs and alcohol every year. That's more than 15 a day. Based on the county-by-county data, roughly 30% of those crashes happen in the Tampa Bay region.
The Florida Impaired Driving Coalition, made up of members of MADD, various sheriff's departments, FDOT, etc., are making consequence awareness a priority right now. They want everyone to know the serious repercussions of driving impaired in Florida.
That includes facing up to 30 years in prison, potentially losing your license forever and paying thousands in legal fees. Of course, those come second to the most significant consequence —killing yourself or someone else.
For more information about the Ride Like MADD challenge, click here.