Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving

Georgia Currently Ranks 4th in the Nation 

The Golden Shield Honors is the paramount achievement for Georgia’s initiative to keep impaired drivers off the road, increase awareness of the consequences of driving under the influence, and impact DUI legislation. Mothers Against Drunk Driving - Georgia (MADD-GA) and the Governor’s Office on Highway Safety (GOHS) will celebrate 520 honorees from communities throughout the state for outstanding service at the event Thursday at the Georgia World Congress Center in College Atlanta.

In 2013, there were 297 DUI fatalities on Georgia roads and highways.  Georgia currently ranks 4th in the nation in MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.  MADD-GA Executive Director, Barry Martin, says Georgia is among states with the lowest percentage of DUI deaths.

“We are making great strides in DUI education, prevention, and enforcement in our state,” declares Martin. “It is the dedication and sacrifice of these officers that saves lives.”  

Officers will be awarded DUI Achievement Pins according to the number of DUI arrests made in 2014.  Officers and Agencies with the highest number of DUI arrests will receive the DUI Hero Award. Officer of the Year, Agency of the Year, Post of the Year, HEAT/DUI Task Force of the Year, and Traffic Enforcement Network of the Year will be presented to distinguished individuals and organizations for their contributions to the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.

MADD's National President, Colleen Sheehey-Church will Keynote the event telling her story of the tragic loss of her son Dustin to an underage drunk and drugged driver, recalling the support that law enforcement provided in her time of need, and thanking the officers for their dedication to removing drunk and drugged drivers from the roads of Georgia.

In addition to recognizing officers for their efforts on DUI, MADD will be highlighting law enforcement personnel who have successfully completed drug recognition expert training and have used that training to remove drugged drivers from our roads. 

The 11th Annual Golden Shield Honors will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, April 9th from 11am - 2pm.  For more information, visit http://www.madd.org/local-offices/ga/events/2015-golden-shield-awards.html. 

About MADD-GA: Founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to protect families from drunk driving, underage drinking and provide victim services.  MADD-GA, serves all 159 Georgia counties.