M.A.D.D.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
With more than 20 years under its belt, M.A.D.D. has become one of the largest crime victims' assistance organizations in the world. Their commitment to support victims and their families in drunk driving criminal acts have proved that societal views can be dramatically changed and made for the better. MADD's efforts has set an unbelievable precedence in the fight against drunk drivers.
The Beginning
In Maryland, Cindi and her five and a half month old daughter Laura were hit head-on by a repeat drunk driving offender at 120 mph. Laura became one of the world's youngest quadriplegics as a result.
Less than one year later, in California, a drunk driver killed 13 year-old Cari Lightner. Two days prior, the driver was released on bail for a hit-and-run drunk driving crash. Not including Cari's incident, the driver already had two drunk driving convictions against him.
In Sacramento, Cari's mother discussed forming a group named M.A.D.D. – Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. Thus, MADD was born and the beginning of a worldwide movement against drunk drivers had begun.
MADD Chapters
By the end of 1982, MADD had grown to include 100 chapters all across the nation. Canada becomes the first country outside of the U.S. to charter a MADD affiliate. (MADD Canada: www.madd.ca) In 1984, MADD changes their name to Mothers Against Drunk Driving and by year's end they increase to 350 chapters.
MADD becomes international and includes England, New Zealand, and Australia as charter affiliates. A national 1-800 hotline is created to provide support to victims of drunk driving. With the help and support from MADD, in 1988, all 50 states passed Age 21 as the minimum legal drinking age. Ten years later “Zero Tolerance” legislation is passed in all 50 states.
For more than 20 years, MADD has become the voice of the victims and their families in the prevention of drunk driving. Even in the arena of underage drinking, MADD has established their position with the nation, as well as the rest of the world.
Please do your part, don't drink and drive!
For more information, please visit www.madd.org
