Drunk driving deaths have increased by 31% over the past decade with someone being killed or injured in a drunk driving crash every 78 seconds. Two out of three people will be impacted by drunk driving in their lifetime. Drunk driving is a 100 percent preventable crime, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)’s goal is to end impaired driving. In the ongoing fight against drunk driving and drugged driving, MADD Southeast Florida hosted the 14th Annual UKG & Salah Foundation Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K presented by the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County on April 27. Thousands of walkers, runners, strollers, wheelchair athletes, and supporters of all ages came together in downtown Fort Lauderdale to raise awareness and funds to end impaired driving for good. Festivities included children’s activities, an awards ceremony, live musical performances, and vendor/educational booths Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K is a community-driven 5K that raises awareness about drunk and drugged driving and underage drinking while uniting community members around MADD’s mission. Since it was established in 2011, Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K has raised nearly $4 million that stays in the South Florida community to save lives and support victims of drunk driving, making it the most successful grassroots fundraiser in the history of MADD. Every dollar donated remains in South Florida to provide victim services and prevention education at no cost. MADD is committed to leading prevention efforts with young adults, collaborating with law enforcement to keep roads safe from impaired drivers, as well as advocating for stricter sentencing and stronger laws, including the HALT Act that mandates anti-drunk driving technology in every new car. MADD continues to provide support services to victims and survivors of impaired driving at no charge through victim services specialists and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line. “Every day, 37 lives are needlessly cut short in drunk driving crashes, leaving behind shattered families and communities. This heartbreaking, 100 percent preventable crime changes lives forever – and it’s why we must stand together, stronger than ever, to raise awareness and fight for change,” said Heather Geronemus, past chairwoman of the MADD National Board of Directors. “Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K is more than just an event – it’s a movement that saves lives and supports victims right here in South Florida. This impactful day of hope and action wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our attendees, board members, sponsors, and donors, who share the commitment to end impaired driving once and for all.” Geronemus’ late father, Dr. Robert Perry Geronemus, was struck and killed by a drunk driver in 2009. Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is a national nonprofit leading the movement to end impaired driving for good. Since 1980, MADD has helped reduce drunk driving deaths in America by nearly 40%, saved more than 475,000 lives, and served more than one million victims and survivors. The organization is committed to leading prevention efforts with young adults, collaborating with law enforcement to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers, as well as advocating for stricter sentencing and stronger laws, including the HALT Act that mandates anti-drunk driving technology in every new car. MADD continues to provide support services to victims and survivors of impaired driving at no charge through victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP.