MADD: Organization

Series Summary

Driving under the influence of alcohol has been a prevalent problem in the United States for decades. Drunk driving deaths, including those under the influence, their passengers and other victims, have touched too many lives with tragedy. Many organizations has worked hard to raise awareness and prevent drunk driving from taking more lives. Mothers Against Drunk Driving is one of the more prominent of these organizations.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) began in the early 1980s. It is a grassroots movement primarily make up of volunteers and funded through donations from individuals. MADD’s primary mission is threefold: stop drunk driving, support victims and prevent underage drinking. MADD seeks to accomplish these goals through activities like court monitoring, checkpoints, education in schools, assistance with affected families and cooperation with law enforcement. Watch this free video series to learn more about MADD from their NC state executive director.

Video Transcript

"MADD is actually a grassroots national organization. We're based out of Irving, Texas. We have chapters in each of the states, throughout the United States. MADD actually stands for mothers against drunk driving, and we are working in all kinds of communities. We offer school programs; from kindergarten through college. We work with law enforcement, by providing them with equipment that they can use. We also support them at checkpoints. We have the most comprehensive victims service organization in the United States. We go in and help families, from what we call "the moment of impact." We help them with financial assistance. We help them through the grieving process with counseling services; as well as court accompaniment. We go in and help them throughout the entire year, and for years and years after. We've been working with some families for twenty years now. "