This week, David Lail attended the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office 2nd Quarter Awards Presentation in North Charleston. Paula Schaefer, whose 4-year-old daughter was killed by a drunk driver, received a Citizen’s Award at the ceremony for her work with MADD’s Victim Impact Panel program. Paula is a frequent presenter at MADD Victim Impact Panels where she shares her account of how drunk driving permanently impacts the lives of others.
According to MADD, “The purpose of the Victim Impact Panel (VIP) program is to help drunk and drugged driving offenders to recognize and internalize the lasting and long-term effects of substance-impaired driving. The classes seek to create an empathy and understanding of the tragedy, leave a permanent impression that leads to changes in thinking and behavior and prevents future offenses.”
The Sheriff specifically cited the amount of time Paula invests in the organization and the lasting impact she has left on the community by educating offenders of Charleston County on the dangers of driving under the influence and the devastating effects on the innocent.
“Paula and her family suffered an unimaginable tragedy because of a drunk driver. It takes a lot of courage to do what Paula does and we join in congratulating her for her service to the community,” said Lail.
We are honored to know Paula, and as lawyers for victims of drunk driving, we are inspired by the work she does to make our community a safer place.