On Thursday, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) joined the Fresno Police Department to unveil their new year sober driving campaign.
Family members who have lost loved ones in DUI crashes shared their stories in an effort to save lives.
CBS47 spoke to one family who lost two of their loved ones. They were killed by a drunk driver two years ago, but continue to suffer today because of the loss. That's why this New Year, they want to remind everyone to drive safe and sober.
Celeste Guzman's sister and fiancé were killed by a drunk driver in 2009. Celeste said, “I was 8-months pregnant when he passed away and it was hard. It’s hard because my daughter didn't know her dad. She sees pictures; she knows what he looks like and things like that, but...”
Celeste’s daughter is now 2-years-old. The couple also had a son and a step-son.
Their father, Michael Whittle, was killed instantly. Their aunt, 18-year-old Nishma Aguilar, died several days later. The drunk driver who hit them also died on impact.
Nishma's family kept her last wish and donated her organs. “Somewhere she's still out there, part of her. And you know it did affect my family my children, his family. It affected all of us,” said Corina Rodriguez, Nishma’s mother.
Mothers Against Drunk Drivers joined with the Fresno Police Department to unveil the New Year Sober Driving campaign on Thursday.
They say every 60 seconds someone is injured in a drunk driving accident and in the last 5 years, DUI deaths have increased by 18.6%.
Lt. Tony Bennink with the Fresno Police Department said, “If you're out drinking partying please take a designate driver with you or take a taxi cab home.”
Family members of victims say DUI deaths can easily be prevented. “…and not one friend, that guys one friend, or somebody at that bar the bar tender, somebody, could have said no you can’t drive, and we wouldn't be here today,” said Tamiko Whittle, Michael’s sister.
Celeste said, “My message to everyone is - just don't drink and drive, because you don't just risk your own life, you risk everyone else's too. Your sister, someone else's kids father, you know it's hard…”
Starting Thursday night through New Years Eve, the Fresno Police Department will conduct four DUI operations, including saturations and check points.
New MADD billboards will also be going up to remind people about the dangers of drinking and driving.
If you don’t have a designated driver, call a cab or a service like Tipsy Tow offered by AAA.
The Tipsy Tow program is open to everyone. You do not need to be an AAA Member to take advantage of this service to the community.
During the period Tipsy Tow is available, drivers, potential passengers, party hosts, bartenders, and restaurant managers can call 800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free tow home of up to ten miles. Just tell the AAA operator, "I need a Tipsy Tow," and a truck will be on its way.
The service will provide a one-way ride for the driver and vehicle to the driver's home. If there are additional passengers who need a ride, they will be taken to the driver's home as long is there is sufficient room for them to be transported safely in the tow truck. You cannot make a reservation.
New Year’s Eve: 6:00 p.m. Saturday, December 31st – 6:00 a.m. Sunday, January 1st.
