A Hillsborough County woman shares a deeply personal story as part of her mission to raise awareness about drunk driving dangers, especially during New Year’s Eve.
Linda Unfried of Temple Terrace, Hillsborough County, endured a heartbreaking tragedy 41 years ago when her sister, Josie, was killed by a drunk driver. Her family’s life was forever altered by this sudden loss, an experience she recounts with palpable pain. Unfried recalls, ‘It was horrible because you don’t have time to say goodbye.’
In response to this tragedy, Unfried co-founded the Hillsborough County chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Her advocacy work underscores a significant concern: Hillsborough County leads Florida in drunk driving deaths and injuries. With New Year’s Eve approaching, she urges the public to think carefully before deciding to drive under the influence. ‘You could not only kill someone else but kill someone in your family. You could kill yourself. It’s just not worth it,’ she warns.
Unfried’s efforts aim to prevent other families from enduring the ‘hell’ that hers experienced. She emphasizes the availability of safe alternatives, like rideshares and public transportation. Additionally, programs such as AAA’s ‘Tow to Go’ offer a practical solution by providing a free tow and ride home within a limited distance for individuals with a valid driver’s license. These options are particularly crucial during high-risk periods like the holiday season.
Through her advocacy, Unfried hopes to instill a sense of caution and responsibility among drivers. Her message is clear: driving under the influence poses a severe risk not just to the driver, but to everyone on the road. In her words, enduring such a loss is something no one should ever have to face.
Linda Unfried’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of drunk driving. Her enduring pain and dedication to preventing further tragedies highlight the importance of responsible choices, especially during celebratory times like New Year’s Eve. By choosing safer alternatives, lives can be spared, and holidays can remain joyous rather than tragic.
Source: Fox13news
