[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 95 (Wednesday, July 20, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                 TRIBUTE TO DRINKING DRIVER TASK FORCE

                                 ______


                           HON. MIKE KREIDLER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 20, 1994

  Mr. KREIDLER. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to recognize 
the outstanding efforts of the Drinking Driver Task Force of Kent, WA. 
This group has recently been cited by the 1994 National City Challenge 
to Stop Drunk Driving, receiving the Community Partnership Award for 
their exceptional work in community prevention programs.
  Kent's Drinking Driver Task Force was started 10 years ago to combat 
the community's high accident and fatality rate from heavily congested 
areas and drunk driving. The all-volunteer steering committee conducts 
public information campaigns, monthly server training programs, youth 
conferences, highway safety poster contests in local schools, public 
DWI forums, and other activities.
  The highlight of Kent's program is a youth conference called the game 
of life. It educates 215 junior and senior high school students on 
wellness activities and team building, giving them the skills to 
implement programs within their own schools. Overall, Kent's program 
has helped to reduce the number of alcholo-related crashes by 27 
percent, compared to a 13-percent improvement in adjoining communities.
  I am pleased to draw attention to the immense contributions of the 
Kent community to the safety and wellness of its citizens. Over the 
past 10 years, donations to the task force from businesses, 
organizations and individuals have totaled $450,000. Strong community 
support prompted the city of Kent to take over funding for the 
program's staff, beginning in 1994.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the successful efforts 
of the Kent Drinking Driver Task Force, especially paying tribute to 
the fine individuals who have made this program possible. I hope the 
task force will continue to serve as a positive role model for other 
communities.

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