Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Florida Highway Patrol held a press conference in Orlando to remind Floridians of the dangers of drunk driving, especially during the holidays.

MADD gives Florida four out of five stars for its work to fight drunk driving. This, of course, leaves room for improvement. One suggestion offered by MADD is to make ignition interlock devices mandatory for all drunk driving offenders - whether it is their first time or they are repeat offenders, whether their blood-alcohol level was 0.08 or much higher.

Florida's Drunk Driving Accident Rates

Florida lost hundreds of people to drunk driving last year. In the state alone, 774 people were killed by drunk drivers. Nationally, 11,000 people died because of drunk driving.

Many more are injured in drunk driving accidents. The severe injuries victims can sustain include amputations, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones and spinal cord injuries.

Drunk Driving During the Holiday Season

The rates of drunk driving rise during the holidays. The stresses and celebrations can lead some drivers to choose to drive under the influence. Drivers who are intoxicated have poorer response times, coordination and judgment.

Florida will focus its anti-drunk driving efforts during the holidays. Due to the season's increase in drunk driving, the Florida Highway Patrol plans to use saturation techniques to catch more drunk drivers, in addition to drivers who are speeding.

Drivers who get behind the wheel when they are intoxicated are making a choice. It is hoped that they will decline to drive, whether it is because of MADD's input, law-enforcement patrols, an ignition interlock device or just a friend who takes the keys.