Smashed, Inc. || Press Releases, News, Media

Thursday, December 22, 2005

CONTACT: Doris Mirbach
TELEPHONE: (561) 966-9179

THE END OF THE ROAD FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY'S ONLY DESIGNATED DRIVER PROGRAM?

Lake Worth, FL: The SMASHED, INC. Designated Drivers and everyone who has been involved with the program since the beginning are sad to have to finally close the doors on what has been a truly rewarding and community-minded experience. These are people who have been sacrificing their holiday weekends since November 2002 with the intention of helping to save lives.

Impaired driving is one of

America

's most-often-committed and deadliest crimes. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Report, more than 1.4 million people nationwide were arrested in 2004 for driving under the influence. Statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for 2003 show that nearly 13,000 people died in highway crashes involving a driver with an illegal blood-alcohol concentration level of 0.08 or higher.

"This is why SMASHED, Inc., Palm Beach County's only Designated Driver Program was created. It was fashioned after an original idea that has been extremely successful in

Canada

for over 20 years," said Marcel Beaumont, the Co-founder of SMASHED, Inc. "I believed the concept would be well received here in South Florida. Unfortunately, because of the lack of sponsors and contributions to our non-profit organization, we are no longer able to continue unless we receive some major funding."

The tragedies and costs from drinking and driving impaired do not just end at the potential death, disfigurement, disability and injury caused by impaired drivers. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be really significant.

Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver's licenses, higher insurance rates and dozens of other unanticipated expenses from attorney fees, fines and court costs, car towing and repairs, lost time at work, etc. Plus, there is the added embarrassment, humiliation, and potential loss and consequence after informing family, friends, and employers. The bottom line: You Drink & Drive. You Lose.

SMASHED, Inc. will continue to maintain the web site at www.smashedinc.org and also continue to cruise the Palm Beach County area in an effort to provide a constant reminder to "Always Designate A Driver" with the infamous SMASHED mobile.

Help SMASHED, Inc. Designated Drivers get back on the road for another year by making a tax deductible donation. SMASHED, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to pave the way for safer roadways by providing designated drivers for those who are impaired. For more information about the SMASHED, Inc. Designated Driver Membership Program, visit the web site or contact them toll free at (877) SMASHED.