The Metro Jackson Community Prevention Coalition has been awarded a continuation grant for $361,928.30 from the Mississippi Office of Highway Safety. This funding will assist with addressing the dangers of impaired driving in Mississippi for the 2021-22 fiscal year.
“Our goal is to provide Mississippi drivers with first-class prevention education on the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol,” Angela Benson Wright, project director for the Impaired Driving Initiative, said. “We will continue to educate individuals on impaired driving until there are zero crashes on Mississippi roadways.”
MJCPC is the state’s primary adult impaired driving awareness program. It focuses on counties with high alcohol-related fatalities in Mississippi. The program also promotes fostering changed behaviors for individuals who are habitual offenders.
“We want everyone to know that driving a vehicle while impaired is a dangerous crime,” Chauncy Wright, community outreach coordinator, said. “The message is clear, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.””
This year’s funding includes an additional component that provides information to adults 65 and older. The program will continue to coordinate with law enforcement agencies to promote impaired driving prevention, provide educational information regarding prevention and conduct impaired driving prevention awareness presentations.