To the Editor:
Impaired driving crashes, either as a result of alcohol, drugs or other substance, have significant and cascading effects that go unnoticed by the public. We see a short article in the paper or on the news and many times never hear about it again, or we hear later of the sentencing of the offender but seldom do we know the effect this event has had on the victim(s) and/or the offender(s) of the crash.
The Madison County Victim Impact Panel, better known as VIP, is held six times a year. It is a program of the Madison County Sherriff’s Office and the STOP DWI Program, and administered by BRiDGES, Madison County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. Its purpose is to portray the very real and devastating results an impaired driving crash can have, results that may last a lifetime. These results come not only in a financial impact, but more importantly physical and psychological impacts.
The success of the VIP, used to educate offenders, is being able to share the victim’s story – what happened to me? Why did this happen to me? What is being done to prevent this from happening again to someone else? Does my story matter to anyone?
By having speakers and/or videos of those who have been deeply affected by these crashes, the group, comprised of those with impaired driving convictions as well as those youth mandated through Drug Court, hear the reality of what could have been their, or their family member‘s story. This program raises awareness for the participants and gives them an opportunity to see the power of their choices that they might not otherwise recognize. Our hope is that these participants will see how their one choice can change their lives as well as the lives of others and begin to make positive choices in their lifestyle.
A victim may be family member or a friend of someone injured or killed, the actual person injured, a first responder or the offender themselves. Each has a story to tell and the telling of that story can be a part of their healing as well.
If you have a story to share, have any questions regarding this program or if you or someone you know needs support and/or has a story, as a result of an impaired crash, that you think should be shared in this way, please contact Margret Accas, VIP program administrator at 697-3947 or by email at madisoncountyVIP@gmail.com.
Allen Riley, Madison County Sheriff
Madison County STOP DWI Coordinator
Susan Jenkins, Executive Director, BRiDGES, Madison County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse