MADD Warns About Holiday Drinking, Announces Walk in Memory of Cheshire Man

Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Cheshire Police Department, Richard Chevrolet, victims of alcohol-related crashes and local politicians came together on recently to kick off a safe 2013 holiday season. 

Also announced was the planning of the 1st annual Cheshire Walk Like MADD to be held on April 5, 2014 in memory of Gregory Schena, who was killed on May 12, 2010 by a drunk driver.  

Greg’s parents Mary Ellen and Richard Schena talked about their son, who was a Cheshire resident, Wallingford teacher and assistant Cheshire High football coach. They said they are grateful to be able to keep Greg’s memory alive through so many events like the walk and look forward to having a big team.

The 2012 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration DUI Statistics show that overall there was 10,322 people killed from drunk driving crashes, a 4.6 percent increase from 2011. In Connecticut, there was a 9 percent decrease in people killed, from 94 in 2011 to 85 in 2012.

Representatives also encouraged and reminded citizens to plan ahead for the holiday season for a designated non-drinking driver if they are planning to drink alcohol during the holiday season’s festivities.

MADD red ribbons were also handed out as part of their annual Tie One On For Safety campaign. Drivers are urged to display a red ribbon on their cars as a reminder to plan ahead for a designated non-drinking driver, and in support of law enforcement crackdown efforts during the holiday season.

Special thanks to Jason Vianese, General Manager of Richard Chevrolet in Cheshire, CT for hosting, Chief Neil Dryfe of the Cheshire Police Department, Town Manager Michael Milone, State Senator Dante Bartolomeo, State Reps Al Adinolfi, Mary Fritz and Lezlye Zupkus, Mary Ellen and Richard Schena and Pam Bingman, victim/survivors of a drunk driving crashes.