MADD “Crash Car” Exhibit at GDI’s 4th Annual CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday™ May 17

TURLOCK, Calif. - May 4, 2014 - PRLog -- The Fresno MADD chapter will bring the dramatic "Crash Car" Exhibit to GDI’s 4^th Annual CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday. This free, family-friendly event sponsored by Capital Insurance Group® (CIG) and hosted by GDI Insurance will take place at GDI Insurance Agency’s Turlock office at 801 Geer Road, Turlock, CA 95380, on Saturday, May 17, 2014, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Community Safety Saturday was developed by CIG in 2010 and many well-attended events have been held throughout California and Nevada. The event features informative displays, large vehicles and equipment used by law enforcement agencies, activities, and demonstrations to help improve the safety and security of children, teens, families, and communities. Attendees enjoy free games, prizes, food, and valuable materials and information provided by local and regional organizations. Community Safety Saturday includes a focus on safe driving and this is the first time that the MADD “Crash Car” will be at the event.

The “MADD Crash Cars” are visual educational tools presented with the intention to change behaviors and attitudes concerning the dangers of drinking and driving and riding with an impaired driver. The “Crash Car” Exhibit also addresses the excessive use of speed and the failure to use seat belts, and explains the roles that each of these factors play in the injury or death of loved ones.

Tragedy and heartbreak surround alcohol-related car crashes.

Behind every drunk driving statistic is a person whose life was full of family and friends, love and life, joy and laughter. Casey Goodwin was only 20 years old when she was killed in a drunk driving car crash. From the time she was in elementary school until her tragic death, Casey had been actively involved in alcohol awareness educational programs including Friday Night Live and the California Youth Council. Victoria Flores, MADD Chapter Leader and Victim Advocate, explains, “In March, 2003, Casey Goodwin was traveling home to Exeter from college in San Luis Obispo to celebrate her mother's birthday. Casey was killed in an automobile collision by an underage drunk driver. Her crash vehicle has been permanently mounted onto a trailer (25’ x 8’) and enclosed in plexiglass, and will be on display at the event for all to see."

Flores continues, "Over 10,000 people in the United States are killed by drunk drivers every year. On average, someone is killed in a drunk driving crash every 51 minutes. In 2011, 226 children were killed in drunk driving crashes. These tragedies are preventable."

The facts about teenage alcohol use are sobering.

·         Kids who start drinking young are seven times more likely to be in an alcohol-related crash.

·         Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, and about a quarter involve an underage drinking driver.

·         One in six teens binge drinks. Only 1 in 100 parents believes his or her teen binge drinks.

·         High school students who use alcohol or other substances are five times more likely to drop out of school.

MADD can see a future without drunk driving. "We need every voice in the fight against drunk driving," remarks Flores. "We are committed to keeping families safe and we're looking forward to meeting teens and parents at the GDI Insurance sponsored event in May."

Jeff Batozech, Northern California Regional Field Executive for CIG, remarks, "CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday was born from our concern and commitment to keep children, teens, and families safe. We are very proud to partner with GDI Insurance Agency for the fourth year in a row and to work with the many community safety-oriented public services in Turlock.”

Community Safety Saturday will feature the following attractions:

·         The Turlock Police Department and CHP will provide complimentary child car seat safety inspections.

·         Marc Klaas will provide free photo IDs and fingerprinting for every child at the KlaasKids Foundation Print-A-Thon.

·         Turlock Police Department VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) will bring crime prevention and neighborhood watch information.

·         California Highway Patrol will bring safety handouts and information about its Start Smart Driver Education classes available statewide for teens and their parents.

·         Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department will bring its S.W.A.T. Team, Bomb Squad, Dive Team, Search and Rescue, Special Vehicles and K-9 Units.

·         Turlock Fire Department will bring a fire engine and safety information.

·         MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) - Fresno Chapter will bring its “Crash Car” Exhibit and information about the dangers of drinking and driving.

·         American Red Cross will provide emergency preparedness information.

·         United Way will bring information about its 2-1-1 program.

·         Boy Scouts of America–Greater Yosemite Council will offer information about its local Boy Scout troops.

·         Girl Scouts Heart of Central California will provide informational brochures and show how to make a first aid kit.

·         Friends of Turlock Animal Shelter will bring its mobile adoption trailer and information about pet safety.

·         Creative Alternatives Foster Family Agency will provide information about foster care as well as child abuse and neglect.

·         Jessica’s House will provide information about its peer support groups for children and teens that have experienced the death of a loved one.

·         Monkey Business of Emmanuel Cancer Center will bring information about its support group for children when a loved one has cancer.

·         Turlock Irrigation District will provide electricity safety information and Dexter Duck coloring books.

·         United Way of Stanislaus County will have an information booth and handouts about their 2-1-1 program.

·         The U.S. Forest Service will provide informational brochures about its One Less Spark campaign and other materials to promote fire prevention.

·         American Medical Response will bring an ambulance for kids to tour.

At the conclusion of Community Safety Saturday, a drawing will be held during which many exciting prizes will be given away, including a Bluetooth® headset, an emergency solar flashlight radio, a roadside safety kit, and many more.

For more information, please go to www.CIGsafetysaturday.com or call (209) 634-2929.


Wendy Brickman
Email: Brickman@BrickmanMarketing.com