Organizers hope to raise awareness of ‘Avoid the 13’
campaign
MORGAN HILL
Candle flames flickered bravely in the chill air outside the Community and Cultural Center as a group of concerned citizens – adults, teens, children and even a dog – joined together to remember the victims of drunken drivers and to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving.
Signs carried by participants proclaimed: “Addiction is not a moral issue, it’s a disease,” “Every 28 minutes a drunk driver kills in the U.S,” “Friends don’t let friends drink and drive,” “Remember those affected by drunk drivers.”
The group of more than 25 included Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate and Police Chief Bruce Cumming.
Organizers hoped to raise awareness in advance of the annual Avoid the 13 campaign, which kicks off today. Law enforcement agencies throughout Santa Clara County step up DUI enforcement during the holiday period, typically a dangerous time of year on the roadways.
Wednesday evening’s vigil was a collaboration between the Community Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership and the Morgan Hill Police Department. Francisco Dominguez, coordinator for the partnership, said he was pleased at the turnout, especially the number of teenagers who participated.
Bill Nolan, the executive director of the Nolan Foundation, a community advocacy organization promoting community collaboration and safety awareness, came from Milpitas to attend the vigil.
“It’s really good to see young people taking a step forward to stop drinking and driving,” he said.
Cumming told the crowd that the number of DUI accidents and arrests is “ridiculous for a town of this size.” He added that there were 10 DUI arrests the previous weekend. “Too many families are affected,” he said.
The advocates said they want to make other teens aware, hopefully to prevent underage drinking and drinking and driving. Through their presentation, they explained Morgan Hill’s social host ordinance and how it could help prevent underage drinking. The DVD ended with the teens saying, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step; this is our step.”
