Immediately following the news that Henri Paul had a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit in France, MADD issued a Sept. 4 news release calling the tragic death of Diana a "wake up call" for everyone to get involved in the fight against drinking and driving.
But at its national leadership conference that year, MADD went a step further, announcing plans for a new print media campaign that will be directly linked to Princess Diana.
The campaign was considered controversial in some quarters, exploitive in others. But a survey conducted by MSNBC indicated that three out of four respondants thought the campaign should be used because the death of Princess Diana provides "a powerful example of how anybody can die at the hands of a drunk driver."
Twenty-six percent of those who took the survey said that "MADD is exploiting a terrible tragedy for its own gain."
In one ad, 120 names of girls and women are listed under the headline "We've Seen Too Many Princesses Die." The last name is Diana's.
The other ad reads, "On August 31, 1997, the world was victimized by another drunk driver. Mothers Against Drunk Driving mourns the loss of Princess Diana as well as the other estimated 250 victims killed in our country over Labor Day weekend. Isn't it time we say enough?"
MADD National President in 1997, Katherine Prescott said, "This tragedy is a reminder that no one is immune to drunk driving; we should feel just as outraged every time anyone is killed senselessly at the hands of a drunk driver."
The overwhelming worldwide reaction to the sudden death of Diana, Princess of Wales, may have a far-reaching effect on the drinking and driving laws worldwide and is already influencing some lawmakers to pass even tougher DUI penalties.
The Diana Crash Investigation
- Bar-Hopping Driver?
The man who drove Princess Diana to her death may have started bar-hopping at 4 o'clock that afternoon.
Investigation Hits Snag
The investigation into the auto crash that killed Diana, Princess of Wales, ran into a stumbling block when the lone survivor said he can't remember anything about it.
Hotel to Face Charges?
French authorities considered filing charges against the Paris Ritz Hotel while Henry Paul's former employers continued to try to distance themselves from responsibility.
Blood Alcohol Content
A blood test shows that Paul was not only drunk, he was also taking an antidepressant drug and may have stopped taking one prescribed for alcohol abuse.
Conflicting Reports
In the early stages of the investigation, conflicting reports and finger-pointing dominated.
How Drunk Was He?
A study of just what it means to have a.175 blood alcohol content and try to drive.
