MADD Event On Saturday Could Not Stop Earlier Dallas DWI Death

Fort Worth’s Walk Like MADD followed this tragedy by only a few hours.

On Saturday morning, I was proud to again sponsor the Fort Worth Walk Like MADD and I was honored to be asked to speak to the families of area victims of drunk driving crashes. Of course, MADD tries to try to prevent stories just like this horrible Dallas collision from happening.

I told the audience of walkers that it is a shame that we had to be standing there. I pointed out how shameful it is that Texas leads the country in the number of deaths due to drunk drivers. I bemoaned that we arrest 90,000 people each year for DWI’s — enough to fill up the vast stadium where the Cowboys play.

Just a few hours before that, at 2:38 a.m., a driver named Emmanuel Gonzelez, 20, had drun four shots of vodka, drove extremely fast, and crashed his car into a utility pole on Webb Chapel Road.

Tragically, a young woman, who was only 18, died. A19 year man was seriously injured with broken ribs and a broken pelvis. My prayers and thoughts go out to the family of the young woman and the man who will hopefully recover from his injuries.

A breath analysis showed that the driver was over the legal limit of .08%. He has been charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault. I hope that he gets the justice that he deserves in Dallas’s criminal courts and is not put back on the streets so he can do this again.

About Walk Like MADD
Walk Like MADD is a national event in which tens of thousands of people participate in organized walks in more than 60 cities throughout the country. This signature event has raised almost $3 million that allows MADD to offer free community programs and services. In addition to raising money, the walks help raise awareness about the tragic consequences of drunk driving.

About MADD

Most people have heard of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, but some may not be aware of the vital work the organization does in our communities. MADD’s mission is “to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.” The organization fulfills its mission by providing essential services to victims, advocating for stricter DWI laws, and presenting compelling public awareness campaigns.

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