A new initiative aimed at preventing impaired driving was unveiled on January 3, 2025, in Fresno County. The campaign, called “Driving Change,” is a collaboration between Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Hedrick Chevrolet. It seeks to address the ongoing issue of drunk driving through community partnerships, education, and enforcement efforts.
This month-long campaign unites local businesses, law enforcement, and community leaders to foster a safer environment for families. As part of the initiative, Hedrick Chevrolet has pledged to donate a portion of every vehicle sold during January to support MADD’s victim services, prevention programs, and educational initiatives in the Central Valley.
Community Impact of Impaired Driving
Natasha Thomas, the area executive director for MADD Northern California, emphasized that impaired driving has a far-reaching impact. “Every crash leaves lasting impacts on families and neighborhoods,” she stated during the launch event. Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig echoed this sentiment, noting that raising awareness about impaired driving is crucial. “This is something we can’t take a break on,” he stressed.
Despite ongoing enforcement and educational efforts, Clovis Police Chief Curt Fleming pointed out that impaired driving remains a significant challenge. He referenced a recent incident where a 62-year-old man, identified as Steve Myer from Prather, struck a toddler and their mother in a Trader Joe’s parking lot, leading to felony DUI charges against Myer. “These crashes affect not only victims and families but also the first responders,” Fleming remarked, urging the public to intervene if they witness someone attempting to drive under the influence.
Statistics from the Fresno Police Department revealed a concerning rise in DUI arrests, from 2,284 in 2024 to 2,449 in 2025. Magsig highlighted that while collaborative efforts have contributed to a reduction in traffic fatalities, impaired driving remains a leading cause of serious crashes in Fresno County.
The Legal Landscape and Personal Stories
In 2025, Fresno County filed a total of 5,165 misdemeanor DUI cases and 423 felony DUI cases, alongside eight murder cases related to impaired driving, which resulted in 15 fatalities. Senior Deputy District Attorney Steve Olson noted that awareness campaigns have proven effective in decreasing preventable DUI cases.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that officers in the Fresno area arrested more than 2,000 DUI drivers in 2025. Ian Holguin, the CHP Fresno Area Commander, stated that real change requires a combination of enforcement, prevention, education, and strong community partnerships.
A poignant moment during the campaign launch was a victim impact statement from Delila Banuelos, who shared the emotional toll of losing her father, Federico, to a DUI crash more than a decade ago. The crash occurred on Goodfellow Avenue near the Rodriguez store towards Reedley. The driver responsible has never been identified, leaving Banuelos to reflect on the lasting pain that such incidents cause. “When this occurred, it was really life-changing. It was emotionally devastating,” she recounted.
Three years ago, Banuelos joined MADD, which she credits with providing her a platform to share her story and promote healing. She urges the public to “think twice before you get behind the wheel,” highlighting the long-term consequences of impaired driving not only for the driver but for entire families.
Banuelos believes that MADD’s presence in the community is essential for keeping the message of prevention alive. “Without MADD, I don’t think that message will be out,” she said. “It’s really important for us to be a reminder for everybody not to drink and drive.”
The “Driving Change” campaign reflects a concerted effort by Fresno County leaders and community organizations to address the urgent issue of impaired driving and its far-reaching impact on families and communities.
