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MADD and DaimlerChrysler Unveil Photo Exhibit Depicting Lives Changed Forever by Underage Drinking and Driving


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

* National, traveling photo exhibition highlights the far-reaching effects of underage drinking and driving and the need for MADD's free victim services * Features the photography of Pulitzer finalist Jeffrey Lamont Brown * Nearly 2,000 people killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes involving an underage drinking driver in 2004

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 29 -- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and DaimlerChrysler have teamed up to produce After the Crash, a national, traveling photo exhibition that provides a glimpse into the lives of 10 families changed forever by underage drinking and driving. Launched today in Detroit, the exhibition aims to educate teens and their parents about a tragic consequence of underage drinking -- devastating motor vehicle crashes -- as well as the ongoing and critical need for victim support.

"The powerful images of these 10 victims convey the enormous effects that underage drinking and driving can have on people and families. Teenagers drinking alcohol is not only illegal but often times a lethal combination with tragic results and consequences," said Glynn Birch, MADD national president. "When tragedy does occur, the public should know where to turn -- to MADD. We have free resources available including grief counseling, and legal and financial guidance."

In 2004, nearly 2,000 people were killed and another half a million people were injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes involving an underage drinking driver. Research continues to show that young drivers (age 15-20) are more often involved in alcohol-related crashes than any other comparable age group. Traffic crashes are the number one killer of teens, and nearly one-third of teen traffic deaths are alcohol-related.

"DaimlerChrysler is committed to keeping drivers and passengers safe on the road. Through this exhibit, we want to educate teens and their parents on the horrific consequences of underage drinking and driving," said Eric Ridenour, Chief Operating Officer - Chrysler Group. "As the father of teenagers, with one who is already driving, I'm personally committed to this issue. Our hope is that the exhibit's lasting images and messages will help curb underage drinking and driving."

The stories highlighted in the exhibition also demonstrate the need for MADD's victim services, including: emotional support, guidance through the criminal justice system and community referrals for financial assistance. As friends, family and survivors struggle to navigate through the grief process, many are also confronted with unexpected legal and financial challenges. Victims can find support by calling 1-877-MADD-HELP (1-877-623-3435), which connects them to trained staff and volunteers who can provide emotional support and practical information. Last year, MADD's network of trained advocates provided assistance to more than 38,000 victims/survivors.

Jan Withers, whose story is featured in the photo exhibit, is a drunk driving survivor who has become a MADD victim advocate in Upper Marlboro, Md. Fifteen years after an underage drunk driver killed her daughter, she dedicates her time to guide other victims/survivors through the grieving process.

"There is no timeline on grief. It's an eternal timeline," said Withers. "The support of MADD's victim services was critical to my survivorship, and now I work to instill that same hope in others."

By calling a local MADD affiliate, a victim/survivor will be put in touch with an advocate who can provide comfort, help and guidance. Victim advocates can assist with the criminal justice proceedings and, in many cases, will accompany victims to court. They also may be able to provide a list of local professional counselors, civil attorneys and clergy who are skilled at working with crash victims. Victim advocates can also help victims apply for government Crime Victims Compensation funds.

After the Crash, featuring the photography of Pulitzer finalist Jeffrey Lamont Brown, (http://www.jeffreybrown.com/ ), will travel to 10 cities and be displayed in major shopping malls from late summer through the fall. MADD staff and volunteers will be on site at each location to provide information about their victim services.

Locations on the tour include: Detroit; Cincinnati; Philadelphia; Baltimore; Miami; Nashville; St. Louis; Denver; Houston; and Dallas.

For more information about the exhibit and the families featured, please visit http://www.afterthecrash.org/ .

After the Crash continues DaimlerChrysler's commitment to automobile safety through educational programs to help keep drivers and passengers safe when riding in motor vehicles. DaimlerChrysler also promotes teen driving safety through its Road Ready Teens program, which is an effort to reduce teen traffic crashes through increased awareness about the risks and responsibilities teens face as new, inexperienced drivers. For more information, visit http://www.roadreadyteens.org/ .

MADD's mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. MADD is a 501(c)(3) charity with approximately 400 affiliate offices and 2 million members and supporters nationwide. Founded in 1980, MADD has helped save more than 300,000 lives. For more information, visit http://www.madd.org/ .