On Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at six o’clock in the evening, the local chapter of Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will host a memorial dedication ceremony and candlelight vigil to raise awareness of the legal consequences of drunk driving and to honor past victims of this crime.
During the ceremony a memorial stone will be dedicated at the intersection of Cypress and Athens Avenue, near the scene of the collision where Penny Gay Maillet and her six-year-old daughter Michelle Ailene Maillet were killed by a repeat drunk driver on January 3, 1979. As a result of that crash, the Califomia Supreme Court made a landmark ruling in 1981, which made it possible statewide to prosecute someone for murder if they drive while intoxicated and cause a crash that kills another individual. This ruling is
considered to be one of the most significant DUI decisions in California’s history and has been instrumental in the campaign to eliminate drunk driving. This memorial dedication is being held to commemorate the 30-year armiversary of that ruling and to honor the Maillet family, and all victims of DUI crimes. Danielle Maillet Milsten, the surviving daughter who was critically injured in the 1979 crash, and Patrick Maillett, the surviving husband and father, will speak at this memorial dedication.
According to the National Highway Traffic Association (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired driving is the most frequently committed violent crime in America. In Shasta County alone, more than 150 people were injured or killed in an alcohol-related motor vehicle crash during 2009. In fact, close to 40% of all people who died in Shasta County motor vehicle crashes during 2009 died as a result of impaired driving. In light of this sobering truth, MADD encourages you to join with them in raising awareness of the consequences of drunk driving and honoring past victims of this crime.
Following the dedication ceremony, a candlelight vigil will be held honoring other victims of DUI crashes. Local law enforcement officers will read the names of victims during this special tribute ceremony. Please contact MADD Shasta County if you are a victim, have lost a loved one to DUI, and/or know someone who would like to take part in the ceremony and candlelight vigil.
For more information or to participate please RSVP to MADD Shasta County (530) 924-4863 or maddinshasta@gmail.com by November 20, 2011.
What: MADD Memorial Dedication Ceremony
When: Wednesday, November 30, at 6 p.m.
Where: Intersection of Cypress and Athens Avenues
-from press release
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