Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Mothers Against Drunk Driving is a non-profit organization founded by Candy Lightner in 1980 after her 13-year-old son, Cari Lightner, was killed by a drunk driver in Fair Oaks, California. The organization's establishment was influenced by the support of Susan Hyde, a friend of Candy Lightner, and the guidance of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officials, including Joan Claybrook. With the help of Ralph Nader and other consumer protection advocates, Mothers Against Drunk Driving quickly gained national attention, leading to meetings with President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

● History

The history of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is closely tied to the experiences of its founder, Candy Lightner, who was inspired by the death of her son, Cari Lightner, at the hands of a drunk driver, Clarence Busch. This tragedy led Candy Lightner to meet with California Governor Jerry Brown and California State Senator John Vasconcellos to discuss ways to address the issue of drunk driving. The organization's early efforts were supported by National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairman, James Burnett, and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) officials, including Raymond A. Peck. As the organization grew, it received endorsements from notable figures such as Lady Bird Johnson and Betty Ford, who were both strong supporters of Mothers Against Drunk Driving's mission.

● Mission and Objectives

The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to stop drunk driving and support the victims of this violent crime, with objectives that include reducing the number of drunk driving crashes and fatalities on United States roads. To achieve these goals, Mothers Against Drunk Driving works closely with law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA), as well as with government officials, including United States Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Administrator, Joan Claybrook. The organization also collaborates with other advocacy groups, such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the American Automobile Association (AAA), to promote safe driving practices and support victims of drunk driving crashes, including those affected by the Challenger disaster and the Tenerife airport disaster.

● Campaigns and Initiatives

Mothers Against Drunk Driving has launched several campaigns and initiatives over the years, including the Designated Driver program, which was developed in partnership with Anheuser-Busch and the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA). The organization has also worked with Harvard University's Harvard School of Public Health to develop and promote evidence-based strategies for reducing drunk driving, such as the use of ignition interlocks and sobriety checkpoints. Additionally, Mothers Against Drunk Driving has partnered with Ford Motor Company and the National Football League (NFL) to promote safe driving practices and support victims of drunk driving crashes, including those affected by the Super Bowl and the Indianapolis 500.

● Impact and Achievements

The impact of Mothers Against Drunk Driving has been significant, with the organization's efforts contributing to a decline in drunk driving fatalities on United States roads. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of drunk driving fatalities has decreased by over 50% since the organization's founding, with notable declines in states such as California, New York, and Texas. The organization's achievements have been recognized by notable figures, including President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan, who have praised Mothers Against Drunk Driving for its efforts to reduce drunk driving and support victims of this crime. The organization has also received awards from the National Safety Council (NSC) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) for its contributions to traffic safety.

● Criticisms and Controversies

Despite its achievements, Mothers Against Drunk Driving has faced criticisms and controversies over the years, including concerns about the organization's lobbying efforts and its relationships with alcohol industry groups, such as the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and the Wine Institute. Some critics, including Radley Balko and the Cato Institute, have argued that the organization's efforts have led to overly broad drunk driving laws and police practices, such as the use of sobriety checkpoints and breathalyzers. Others, including MADD Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO), have praised the organization's efforts to reduce drunk driving and support victims of this crime.

● Organization and Leadership

Mothers Against Drunk Driving is led by a board of directors that includes notable figures such as Candy Lightner and Susan Hyde, as well as representatives from law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA). The organization's leadership has included notable figures such as Karolyn Nunnallee and Millie Webb, who have worked to promote the organization's mission and objectives. With the support of its leadership and partners, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Mothers Against Drunk Driving continues to work towards its goal of eliminating drunk driving and supporting victims of this violent crime, in collaboration with organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Category:Road safety