MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING (MADD): A Comprehensive Review
Abstract
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1980 with the mission of stopping drunk driving, supporting victims of drunk driving, and preventing underage drinking. This paper provides a comprehensive review of MADD’s history, mission, impact, and strategies. An examination of the literature reveals that MADD has been successful in reducing the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities in the United States, as well as increasing public awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving. The strategies employed by MADD have been effective, and include public education campaigns, lobbying for stricter laws, and working with the court system to ensure that offenders face appropriate punishments.
Keywords: Mothers Against Drunk Driving, MADD, drunk driving, alcohol-related fatalities
Introduction
Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of injury and death in the United States, and the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities has been steadily increasing over the past decade. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1980 with the mission of stopping drunk driving, supporting victims of drunk driving, and preventing underage drinking. Since its founding, MADD has been at the forefront of the fight against drunk driving, and has had a significant impact on public awareness and the legal system. This paper provides a comprehensive review of MADD’s history, mission, impact, and strategies.
History of MADD
MADD was founded by Candy Lightner in 1980, after her 13-year-old daughter was killed by a drunk driver. Lightner was determined to make a difference, and she quickly gained the support of a number of volunteers and organizations. Within a few months, she had organized the first MADD conference in Texas, and the organization soon spread to other states. MADD’s first national office opened in 1985, and the organization has since grown to include chapters in every state.
Mission
MADD’s mission is to end drunk driving, support the victims of drunk driving, and prevent underage drinking. The organization is dedicated to creating a safe and secure environment for all by changing attitudes and behaviors related to drinking and driving. To achieve this, MADD works to influence public policy, raise public awareness, and support victims and their families.
Impact
MADD has been successful in reducing the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of alcohol-related fatalities has decreased from 26,173 in 1982 to 10,265 in 2018. This reduction is largely attributed to MADD’s efforts in raising public awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving. The organization has also been successful in influencing public policy. Since MADD’s founding, the legal drinking age in the United States has been increased from 18 to 21, and a number of states have passed “zero tolerance” laws that make it illegal for drivers under the age of 21 to have any trace of alcohol in their system.
Strategies
MADD employs a variety of strategies to achieve its mission. These include public education campaigns, lobbying for stricter laws, and working with the court system to ensure that offenders face appropriate punishments. Public education campaigns are a key part of MADD’s strategy, and the organization has produced a number of materials, including pamphlets, videos, and public service announcements, to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving. MADD also works to influence public policy by lobbying for stricter laws and harsher punishments for offenders. Finally, MADD works with the court system to ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions and face appropriate punishments.
Conclusion
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1980 with the mission of stopping drunk driving, supporting victims of drunk driving, and preventing underage drinking. An examination of the literature reveals that MADD has been successful in reducing the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities in the United States, as well as increasing public awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving. The strategies employed by MADD have been effective, and include public education campaigns, lobbying for stricter laws, and working with the court system to ensure that offenders face appropriate punishments.
References
Lightner, C. (1980). Mothers Against Drunk Driving: An organization to save lives. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/1980/05/03/archives/mothers-against-drunk-driving-an-organization-to-save-lives.html
Mothers Against Drunk Driving. (2020). About MADD. Retrieved from https://www.madd.org/about-us/
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2019). Traffic Safety Facts: Alcohol-Impaired Driving. Retrieved from https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812395