MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving)

MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a non-profit organization founded in 1980 by Candace Lightner in Sacramento, California after her daughter was killed by a drunk driver. The driver who struck and killed her daughter had two previous convictions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and was out on bail for a drunk driving hit-and-run only two days prior.

Today, MADD has over 600 local chapters across the United States and is the largest crime victims' assistance program in the world with more than three million members and supporters. Since MADD's inception drunk driving related deaths have declined by 43 percent.

MADD's commitment is to eliminate drunk driving through public awareness, victim assistance, youth programs, and public policy. MADD's mission statement "to stop drunk driving, support victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking," is indicative of their new additional focus on reaching out to the nations' youth.

MADD first gained national notoriety in 1980 through their support of the Barnes bill; a federal bill designed to curtail drunk driving. Through the support of Candace Lightner and Cari Lamb, the nation became increasingly aware of MADD and the drunk driving problem facing the country. MADD helped to bring national awareness to the concept of "designated drivers" and launched marketing campaigns and programs which turned the concept into a household name. Ultimately, the MADD Red Ribbon campaign is perhaps the most readily remembered contribution to the memory of victims killed by individuals Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under Influence (DWI).

MADD's focus on victims assistance is close to the heart of the organization. MADD publishes the MADDvocate, a print publication for victims and advocates and also offers a 40 hour advocate education program to train advocates in serving victims through national and state toll-free numbers, as well as e-mail and local advocate services.

Ultimately, MADD is highly focused on advocacy through public policy and devotes much effort to working to end drunk driving through legislative change. These efforts include positions around anti-impaired driving campaigns, administrative license revocation, open container laws, and a maximum Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08 percent. MADD increased its efforts to reduce incidents of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under Influence (DUI) by adding support for Dram Shop laws and crime victim compensation.

MADD believes that preventing youth from underage drinking is a key step in eliminating drunk driving. By teaching responsibility in regards to alcohol, MADD has the opportunity to convey their message before young people have the opportunity to drink and drive. MADD hosts a number of youth awareness programs encouraging young people to not drink underage and educating them on the dangers of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under Influence (DUI).