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Orange County Soccer Club (OCSC) is partnering with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) California to remind fans to be designated drivers during one of the most dangerous weekends of the year, Labor Day weekend. OCSC and MADD will host a soccer match against Memphis 901 on Sep. 3 at the Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, Ca. A portion of the funds raised go directly to MADD’s lifesaving mission in Southern California to provide necessary community services to those affected by drunk and drugged driving.
As part of the OCSC community outreach program and using soccer to shine a light on social issues, the reigning United Soccer League (USL) Champions have teamed up with MADD California to remind fans of the dangers of drunk and drugged driving. The game against Memphis will feature a number of initiatives intended to raise awareness around impaired driving, thank first responders and honor victims in the county.
“There is nothing more important to us than our community events and we couldn’t be prouder to be supporting MADD and the incredible work they do,” said Dan Rutstein, OCSC President of Business Operations. “I have seen firsthand the devastating impact that drunk driving can have, and we stand firmly behind any initiative that can help educate and inform drivers, parents, youngsters and the broader Orange County community. Like MADD, our message is if you drink, don’t drive.”
According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), police-reported, alcohol-involved crashes increased by 5% from 2020 to 2021, indicating that estimated fatalities in 2021 were still higher as compared to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. MADD, OCSC and local Orange County law enforcement are working together with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, but also a matter of life and death.
“Hazardous driving behaviors have increased over the past two years amounting to more alcohol-related deaths and injuries on our roads,” said Patricia Rillera, MADD California State Executive Director. “As we head into the Labor Day holiday, MADD is proud to join OCSC along with local law enforcement partners in urging everyone to plan ahead before the first drink. Designate a non-impaired driver, utilize rideshare or call a taxi. There is never an excuse to drive impaired.”
Before the match, R&B pop, bilingual, singer-songwriter and American Idol alum Tito Rey will sing the national anthem.
Players from OCSC will be wearing black armbands to commemorate victims of drunk driving, victims’ families will bring out the ceremonial ball and there will be a halftime penalty shot competition featuring first responders sponsored by the Noah Benardout Foundation. There will also be incentives for designated drivers.
MADD recommends these intervention techniques to prevent drunk and drugged driving:
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a non-drinking driver, plan to use public transportation or a rideshare service to get home safely.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911.
- Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at: https://fevo.me/madd22.
