Contact: Sam Canzoneri

630 541-6099
Sam.canzoneri@madd.org
Chief Thomas Weitzel
708-447-2127
tweitzel@riverside.il.us

MADD National President Thanks Riverside Police Department

Efforts to Eliminate Drunk Driving Recognized

RIVERSIDE, ILLNOIS (NOVEMBER 23) Today, Colleen Sheehey-Church, the National President of
Mothers Against Drunk Driving, visited the Riverside Police Department to thank law enforcement officers
for being on the front lines of the battle to eliminate drunk driving.
Sheehey-Church met with Chief Thomas Weitzel and other law enforcement officials to recognize their
commitment to enforcing drunk driving laws and to celebrate recently passed legislation aimed at saving
more lives on Illinois roadways.
Our law enforcement heroes work tirelessly every day to protect residents and visitors traveling on Illinois
streets and highways, Sheehey-Church said. MADD truly appreciates their commitment to saving lives as
we endeavor toward our ultimate goal No More Victims.
Riverside Police Chief Thomas Weitzel stated, Simply put, drunk driving is a police concern because
alcohol increases the risk that drivers will get in traffic crashes and kill or injure themselves or others.
Alcohol impairment is the primary factor in traffic fatalities. In the United States, where drunk driving is
among the most common type of arrest made by police, the number of alcohol-related crash deaths is
roughly the same as the number of homicides. In addition, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death
in young people ages 15 to 20; many of these are alcohol-related. Drinking and driving is a 100 percent
preventable crime.
Chief Weitzel added that he was honored that MADD National President Colleen Sheehey-Church would
take time from her busy schedule to stop by the Riverside Police Department and speak with his staff.
Also in attendance at the meeting was MADD Illinois Executive Director Sam Canzoneri.
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
(MADD) is celebrating its 35th anniversary by creating a future of NO MORE VICTIMSTM. MADD is the
nations largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of

these crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD supports drunk and drugged driving victims and
survivors at no charge, serving one person every ten minutes through local MADD victim advocates and at
1-877-MADD-HELP. MADDs Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving will end drunk driving through
increased law enforcement, all offender ignition interlock laws and advanced vehicle technology. PowerTalk
21 is the national day for parents to talk with their teens about alcohol, using Power of Parents proven
approach to reduce underage drinking. Learn more by visiting MADDs new website at madd.org or calling
1-877-ASK-MADD.