Essay on MADD, A Driving Force for Change - 1257 Words

M.A.D.D. is a political interest group for all mothers against drunk driving. It was specifically created for mothers of kids who have fallen victim to drunk drivers, whether it be in injury or in death. Founded on September 5th 1980, M.A.D.D. has made a huge impact on the government today and an even bigger impact on society. The idea of M.A.D.D. was first introduced by a mother, Candice Lightner, who lost her thirteen year old daughter in a car accident killed by an intoxicated driver. She took action and initiative after the loss of her daughter to help prevent drunk driving accidents so other parents wouldn’t have to go through the grief of the loss of a loved one, especially their son or daughter. Whether it be spreading awareness,†¦show more content†¦All of their efforts were supported and encouraged by the government, government corporations, educators, the public and the media. The mothers’ mission statement was also officially changed in 1999 in order to put focus on preventing underage drinking. â€Å"The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking† was then the new mission of M.A.D.D. and is still used to this day. In the year 2000, M.A.D.D. was nationally recognized for supporting the law that the legal limit of driving while intoxicated should be lowered from .10 to .08. The law was passed in 2005 by congress all throughout the United States, making the chance of an intoxicated person driving and injuring themselves or others much lower. Also, as the result of lobbying and M.A.D.D.’s efforts in changing the law, the state of California also passed a law that enhanced the penalties and fines for re-offenses of DUI charges as well as prevented minors from purchasing alcohol. Five different bills have been signed to add weight to the DUI charges, as well as prevent minors from obtaining fake ID’s by cracking down on security measures and rules in liquor stores. In the state of Rhode Island, M.A.D.D. is spreading the petition to encourage the police to enforce sobriety checkpoints. They argue that the checkpoints are aShow MoreRelatedMadd s Death Against Drunk Driving1297 Words   |  6 PagesMission Statement MADD was incorporated on September 5, 1980, the mission or purposes of MADD as stated in its Articles of Incorporation were â€Å"To aid the victims of crimes performed by individuals driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to aid the families of such victims and to increase public awareness of the problem of drinking and drugged driving. In 1984, MADD changed its name from Mothers Against Drunk Drivers to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. This carefully considered change was made becauseRead MoreMothers Against Drunk Driving Essay729 Words   |  3 PagesMothers Against Drunk Driving is a nonprofit organization in the United States and in Canada. The organization was founded on September 5, 1980 by Candy Lightner. Lightner started the organization after her 13-year old daughter was killed by a drunk driver. The purpose of MADD is to make an effort in trying to stop drunk driving, help prevent underage drinking, seek for stricter driving policies, and help families affected by drunk driving. MADD has helped more than 330,000 lives and is still helpingRead MoreMadd Essay887 Words   |  4 PagesMADD 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 daughterRead MoreThe Right to Drink Underaged drinking has become a rising problem in the small wonder of Delaware.900 Words   |  4 Pagesfrom 12-20. It has lasted a long period of time while the general public is now engaging more in underaged drinking even though it is against the rules. Delaware continues to face the intensity of this problem by having higher crime rates and drunk driving. Though is being enforced, and people are getting punished for going against the rule, the fact of the matter is that if we reduce the age to 18 then less people would break the law in the first place. What may start as one sip a church with parentRead MoreRhetorical Analysis: Drunk Driving Essay1482 Words   |  6 Pagesand laws that are trying to get passed by North Carolina’s congress. 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The drinking age is set too high and I believe it needs to be lowered by changing the Minimum Legal Drinking Age Law (MLDA) from 21 years of age to 18 years of age. The Federal government, backed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), passed this law and strongly encouraged all states to comply, or face a 10% reduction in federal highway construction funds. By 1988 all of the states decided letting 18-year-olds drink wasn’t worth that kind of money, and enforced the law.