Why We Walk

The 2019 Walk Like MADD Tampa presented by Burnetti, PA is dedicated to the Victims of Wrong Way Crashes in Tampa Bay.

To some, the wrong way crash is a” buzz term” used by the local media in the aftermath of a crash where a vehicle has entered a highway, going the wrong direction, and collided head on with an oncoming vehicle, where the victim vehicle has little to no time to react.  We listen to the news as the details unfold and most of the time, we shake our heads and go about our day.  Sadly, learning that the wrong way driver was impaired on alcohol or drugs, is of little surprise to anyone.

But this isn’t a “buzz word” or “media epidemic” to us.  These are our moms and dads, brothers and sisters, friends and family who, without any wrong doing on their part and no opportunity to seek a safe place, lost their life or suffered lifelong injuries at the hands of an impaired driver.  People are gone in an instant and lives changed forever because of the negligence of another operating a motor vehicle. 

Tampa Bay leads the State of Florida in impairment related fatalities and injuries, regardless of how the crash happens, and we all share a part in the solution.  Please designate a driver and never operate a motor vehicle after drinking or using drugs.  Period. 

Please help us remember and honor these victims of wrong way crashes within our community by walking with us to eliminate impaired driving on March 22, 2019!