Alexandria Police Partner with Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Alexandria Police and Mothers Against Drunk Driving showcased the dangers of drunk driving at an event this morning at City Hall.

In 2009, nearly 11,000 people were killed in the United States in crashes where a driver had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or more. Nationally in 2009, 879 people died in drunk driving crashes between the Thanksgiving and New Year's Day holidays, according to MADD.

Alexandria resident Lindsay Marti spoke at the event, detailing with tears in her eyes how her brother Nathan Marti of Annandale tragically died in 2007 from the actions of a drunk driver.

"It is so important that we remember the lives lost to drunk drivers over the holidays, while also doing all that we can to save other families form the pain of losing their loved one to this 100 percent preventable crime," said Chris Konschak, Virginia program manager for MADD.

The group handed out red ribbons and decals designed to be tied onto a vehicle as a reminder to always drive sober.

State Farm Insurance also participated in the event.