Mothers against Drunk Driving

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is the largest crime victims' assistance organization in the world with more than 3 million members and supporters. Members of this nonprofit organization are committed to stopping drunk driving, to preventing underage drinking, and to supporting victims of these crimes and their families. The organization's slogan is “Voice of the Victim,” with its primary focus on assisting victims through the justice process. MADD members have been instrumental in the passage of hundreds of federal and state anti-drunk driving laws, with the most recognized being the 1984 federal law requiring all states to increase the legal drinking age to 21.

Since MADD's inception, alcoholrelated traffic fatalities have declined dramatically. Studies have documented that the 21 minimum drinking age law has saved an average of 1,000 young lives each year since its passage. In MADD's Sanction Issues Compendium, the organization reported that annual deaths from drinking and driving have decreased from approximately 28,000 in 1980 to 16,068 in 2000. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also reports that from 1992 to 2000, the reduction in youth alcoholrelated fatalities was similar to that for adults (6% and 7%, respectively) despite an increase in the youth population.

MADD was born out of two tragic drunk-driving fatalities. In 1979, Laura Lamb and her mother, Cindi Lamb, were hit head-on by a repeat drunk driving offender traveling at 120 mph in Maryland. Laura, who was five years old, became one of the world's youngest quadriplegics as a result of the crash. A few months later, a drunk driver who had been released on bail two days prior to the crash killed Cari Lightner, the 13-year-old daughter of Candy Lightner. The offender, with two drunk-driving convictions on his record, was released on bail for a hit-and-run drunk driving crash. The driver was carrying a valid California driver's license at the time of the crash. In 1981, the two mothers joined forces and created MADD–Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (later changed to Mothers Against Drunk Driving). By the end of 1981, MADD had 11 chapters in four states and was the recipient of a $65,000 grant for chapter development from NHTSA. By the end of 1982, there were more than 190 MADD chapters operating within 35 states. MADD became nationally recognized after NBC produced a made-for-television movie titled “The Candy Lightner Story.” A national poll revealed that 84% of Americans had heard about [Page 757]MADD and most believed it was accomplishing its mission.

MADD's influence has extended into the legislative arena. In 1984, the Federal Minimum Drinking Age Bill was passed. This legislation won acceptance in all 50 states, making 21 the legal drinking age throughout the United States. During this same year, MADD went international when Canada became the first country outside the United States to charter a MADD affiliate. Project Red Ribbon was also introduced, and 1 million red ribbons were distributed to motorists who pledged to drive safe and sober during the holiday season. Not long after, a national 1-800 hotline was created to support victims of drunk driving.

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