Walk Like MADD Raises Awareness About Drunk Driving Dangers

PINECREST (CBSMiami) -- South Floridians laced up their walking shoes Saturday in order to "Walk Like "MADD" and raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving.

Saturday's event, held at Evelyn Greer Park, was the 2nd annual walk to benefit the Miami-Dade chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

"This community-wide initiative pays tribute to victims and survivors of drunk driving and educates the public about preventing future tragedies," said Janet Mondshein, Executive Director of the MADD Miami-Dade Affiliate and event co-chair. "We want to generate more awareness about this violent crime and work collectively to stop it."

The fundraiser featured local leaders, a tug-of-war between police officers and firefighters as well as jaws-of-life and police dog demonstrations.

Participants walked the track in support of MADD's mission and in honor and memory of loved ones.

MADD is a not-for-profit, grass roots organization that aids victims, and families of victims, of drunk driving and increases public awareness about this violent crime.

The money raised from the event will be used to support MADD programs and services.

According to national statistics, 10,839 people were killed in 2010 in drunk-driving crashes; that's one life lost every 50 minutes.