We've listened to the stories of personal tragedy caused by Drunk Drivers, and some of you understand that sense of loss because you've had live through it. In a few minutes Pastor Rick is going to lead us in the candle lighting ceremony, and we will sing a song, and then we'll conclude and maybe some of us will stay and have a cup of coffee. Well, if all we do tonight is come here and listen to the stories of tragedy and loss, light our candles, sing our songs, and then get in our cars and go back to our homes, (and that's all we do), then we haven't done enough to stop Drunk Drivers.

We need to understand that there are things that we can do, that we - you and me, as individuals can do to help make our communities a safer place to live. You know, sometimes we think that in our busy, crazy, high powered complicated world that one person can't make a difference. Well, if you think that one person can't make a difference, try telling that to Candy Lightner. She was the woman who single-handedly started Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Now, if your sitting there and you're thinking, "Well I'm not Candy Lightner, I can't change the world", well you may not need to change the world - you only need to work on your little corner of it. This is your community, and for those of us who live in NJ, we have a community too. One person CAN make a difference in a community. And one person working together with just a few others, can make a MAJOR change in a community. And its not going to take all your time and all your energy; just a little time and a little energy.

So, lets talk about the things you can do. The first thing you need to do is join MADD. Mothers Against Drunk Driving is a nationwide organization that offers a wealth of resources and support.

MADD has a presence all over America. They're in the phone book - give them a call. They can provide you materials and show you how to call attention to the drinking and driving problems in your community. And don't worry, they're not going to make you stand on a street corner with a tambourine in one hand and bucket in the other collecting money for somebody's cause. They are here to help you, and your community.

The next thing you can do call your state Governor and Legislator's offices and tell them your concerned about drunk drivers. Now you might be thinking, "Well, I don't know who to call". Well if you were thinking that, we have a list for you that is full of names, address, telephone numbers, and even email addresses if you are connected to the Internet, of people you can contact and express you concerns to. Check out our ADDRESS page for people you can contact. It doesn't matter whether you're an adult or a teenager - if you have a concern, check out our list because there is probably somebody on it you need to call.

So, make some time in your day to sit down a write a letter. Call one of these phone numbers on your lunch break. Next time your on the Internet, send an email. Tell somebody important how you feel about Drunk Drivers. And if you don't know what to say consider saying this - some states have a No Plea Bargain Law for people arrested for Drunk Driving. That means that someone charged with Drunk Driving cannot have their charges plead down to a lessor offense. NC doesn't have this law. Maybe that's what you should talk to YOUR legislators about.

The next thing I want to talk about might be the most important thing you can do. And its probably the most difficult thing for you to do. We all know when someone has had too much to drink. We know. We go to the parties, and the fishing trips, and the league bowling nights, and the backyard barbecues. Sometimes people have too much to drink. It happens, and we know it happens. The important thing is that we should never let someone who has had too much to drink try to drive themselves home.

I know it seems embarrassing to say "Let me get you a ride", but you will be doing that person and your community a big favor. Call a wife, call a husband, call a friend, teenagers - call a parent, call a cab if you have too, but do whatever you can do to keep a drunk person from putting their keys in the ignition of their car. And if the person gives you a hard time and gets in their car and drives away anyway, call a cop. Before you have to call an ambulance.

There is also something else you can do. Sometimes when you are out driving, you may observe someone driving dangerously or aggressively. He may be speeding, tailgating, or just weaving all over the place. He may or may not be drunk, but he clearly is a menace to the other cars on the road. What can you do? PICK UP YOUR CELL PHONE!! Dial *911. When the dispatcher comes on the phone, give him the color and description of the dangerous car. Also give his location and direction of travel. The police can then intercept the driver before he kills or injures himself or someone else. Your call can save someone's life. Your call can save YOUR life!!

Finally, continue to show your support for public awareness events that speak out against Drunk Driving. It is events like these that keep this issue out in front of the public were it can be seen, and where lawmakers can see it too. Forthcoming events will be posted on the Precious Gems Website. Additionally, your local MADD representatives can help organize events in you community. Candle Light Vigils and other events call attention to Drunk Drivers, and that's the first step in getting them off the road.