MADD
Ronice Washington
BSHS/355
6/5/2013
Carol Felcyn

MADD
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is a nonprofit organization in the United States that seeks to stop drunk driving, support those affected by drunk driving, prevent underage drinking, and overall push for stricter alcohol policy.
The Irving, Texas–based organization was founded in 1980 in California by Candice Lightner after her 13-year-old daughter Cari was killed by a drunk driver. On May 3, 1980 Lightner’s 13-year-old daughter, Cari, was killed by a drunken hit-and-run driver at Sunset and New York Avenues in Fair Oaks, California. The 46-year-old driver, who had recently been arrested for another DUI hit-and-run, left her body at the scene.
MADD's original goal
There were a few problems while trying to get them started. There were statements and rumors started about where the funds were going and what they were used for which aroused suspicion and put up a barrier for trust. There were also taxes added on beer purchases which some felt was not fair to the beer drinker who only drinks on the weekends. Their focus shifted from the drunk driver to people who drink alcohol which caused society to be defiant towards their policies. The effects of their policies intelled more work for Human services workers for the drunk driver and the families that were affected by the drunk drivers. Long after a crash, survivors still feel the impact. MADD Victim Services and policies provide emotional support and assistance with medical and legal struggles that follow a drunken driving crash. Providing emotional support; Providing advocacy in the criminal and civil justice systems; Accompanying victims/survivors to court; Assisting in preparing a victim impact statement; Referring victims/survivors to appropriate resources for additional help; Offering support groups in many areas; Connecting victims/survivors who share similar experiences and Providing supportive materials on victimization topics. As mentioned above, MADD's original goal was an enormously important one -- to reduce drunk driving and the deaths and injuries that it causes. However, from what I can see and as its founder observed the group has gotten off