Nov 4, 2007 11:46 pm US/Central
MADD Vigil Remembers Victims Of Drunk Drivers
CAROL CAVAZOS
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 News) ―
Fort Worth police said a driving while intoxicated task force has made more than 1,700 arrests this year, which is 56 percent more than last year.
That's encouraging news for the victims, survivors and families of people who have been involved in crashes caused by drunk drivers.
"It's still kind of surreal thinking back," said Priscilla Hatcher, crash survivor.
Priscilla recounted what happened the night of the wreck at a Mothers Against Drunk Drivers vigil held at the Fort Worth's Botanical Gardens Sunday. The vigil remembered those who had died at the hands of drunk drivers.
Priscilla spoke about the horrible wreck in August on a Wise County Road. "The driver was drunk, and so were the rest of us," she said.
Three of her friends died and one was left paralyzed. Priscilla, however, will recover. "I'm very grateful that I'm still here," she said.
Priscilla credits God for the strength. "He's helped me make it a lot easier," she said. "Just so I could tell my story. Just so they can listen."
Fort Worth Police Officer Dwayne Freeto was killed by a drunk driver. "I still feel like it was yesterday a lot of the time," said his wife Karen Freeto.
She also attended the service Sunday and had a message for drunk drivers. "I know it's something you feel you can handle, you feel like you can do, but you can't," she said. "Just don't do it."
Fort Worth police have stepped-up training to catch more DUI offenders. So far they have arrested 632 more than in 2006, and the year isn't over yet.
Officers say they are heartened by survivor's stories like the ones they heard Sunday.
"It recharges your batteries and lets you know why you're doing the job that you're doing," said Lt. James McDade of the DUI task force.
For those who think it'll never happen to them, Priscilla said, "Getting into the car with someone who has been drinking, even you, is too risky."
(CBS 11 News)
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