MADD: Mothers Against Drunk Driving

• MADD refers to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, a non-profit organization in the United States and Canada
• MADD's mission is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these crimes, and prevent underage drinking

History and Founding

• MADD was founded in 1980 by Candace Lightner after her 13-year-old daughter, Cari, was killed by a drunk driver
• Lightner was outraged that the driver had been released on minimal bail and that drunk driving was not taken seriously as a crime
• Driven by grief and anger, Lightner started MADD to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and to advocate for stricter laws and penalties

Objectives and Goals

• Eliminate drunk driving: MADD advocates for stricter laws, increased enforcement, and the use of technology like ignition interlock devices to prevent drunk driving
• Fight drugged driving: Recognizing the growing problem of driving under the influence of drugs, MADD has expanded its mission to include combating drugged driving through education, advocacy, and research
• Support victims: MADD provides support services to victims of drunk and drugged driving, including emotional support, crisis intervention, and assistance navigating the legal system
• Prevent underage drinking: MADD works to prevent underage drinking through education programs for youth, parents, and communities, as well as advocating for policies that restrict access to alcohol for minors

Programs and Initiatives

• Victim Support Services: MADD offers a range of services to support victims of drunk and drugged driving, including 24-hour victim helpline, support groups, court accompaniment, crisis intervention and guidance through the criminal justice system
• Youth Programs: MADD has various youth programs aimed at educating young people about the dangers of underage drinking and impaired driving, including educational presentations, peer-to-peer programs, and awareness campaigns
• Advocacy and Public Policy: MADD actively advocates for stronger laws and policies to prevent drunk and drugged driving at the local, state, and federal levels, including supporting legislation for ignition interlock devices, sobriety checkpoints, and increased penalties for offenders
• Public Awareness Campaigns: MADD conducts public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of drunk and drugged driving, using various media channels such as television, radio, and social media to reach a wide audience
• Research and Data Collection: MADD supports research efforts to better understand the problem of drunk and drugged driving and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention strategies. MADD also collects data on drunk driving crashes and fatalities to inform its advocacy and program efforts

Impact and Achievements

• MADD has been credited with helping to reduce drunk driving fatalities significantly since its founding
• Through its advocacy efforts, MADD has influenced the passage of numerous laws aimed at preventing drunk driving, such as raising the minimum drinking age to 21 and implementing stricter penalties for offenders
• MADD has raised public awareness about the dangers of drunk driving, changing social norms and attitudes towards this behavior
• The organization has provided support and assistance to countless victims of drunk and drugged driving, helping them cope with the emotional and practical consequences of these crimes

Criticisms and Controversies

• Some critics have argued that MADD's focus on punishment and stricter laws may not be the most effective way to prevent drunk driving and that more emphasis should be placed on prevention and treatment
• MADD has faced criticism for its corporate sponsorships from alcohol companies, with some arguing that these partnerships create a conflict of interest
• Concerns have been raised about MADD's financial management and fundraising practices, with some questioning how effectively the organization uses its resources

Organizational Structure

• MADD is a non-profit organization with a national office and local chapters throughout the United States and Canada
• The organization is governed by a board of directors who are responsible for setting policy and overseeing operations
• MADD relies on a combination of donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships to fund its programs and activities
• The organization has a large network of volunteers who contribute their time and skills to support MADD's mission

Victim Impact Panels

• Victim Impact Panels (VIPs) are a key component of MADD's efforts to educate offenders and prevent future drunk driving incidents.
• During a VIP, individuals who have been directly affected by drunk or drugged driving share their personal stories with convicted offenders
• These stories often involve the loss of loved ones, serious injuries, and the emotional and financial consequences of impaired driving
• The goal of VIPs is to help offenders understand the human impact of their actions and to deter them from repeating their behavior
• Offenders who attend VIPs often report feeling remorse and empathy for the victims, which can lead to a greater commitment to sobriety and responsible driving
• Many courts and probation programs require offenders to attend VIPs as part of their sentence or rehabilitation program

Underage Drinking Prevention

• MADD recognizes that preventing underage drinking is crucial to reducing drunk driving fatalities and injuries
• MADD works to educate young people about the dangers of alcohol and the consequences of underage drinking through various programs and initiatives
• These programs often involve peer-to-peer education, interactive workshops, and presentations by MADD volunteers
• MADD also advocates for policies that restrict access to alcohol for minors, such as stricter enforcement of underage drinking laws and regulations on alcohol sales
• In addition to youth education, MADD provides resources and support for parents to help them talk to their children about the dangers of alcohol and make responsible choices

MADD is a non-profit organization founded in 1980 to end drunk driving and support its victims. It was started by Candace Lightner after her daughter was killed by a drunk driver. MADD advocates for stricter laws, increased enforcement, and fights drugged driving.