As it says on their website, “the mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking.” And these mothers and their supporters work tirelessly to improve policy and law-making, and they are a force to be reckoned with.
The group started in the 1980s, right here in California. Candice Lightner began a grassroots effort to combat the perils and death toll of drunk driving. Her calling into this job was a sad one. She had lost her child to a car accident with a drunk driver. Since then the organization has grown to become a very well-known and influential presence on the national scene. Championing things like the concept of the “designated driver” and ignition interlock laws, these tireless men and women have made an impact on local and national laws over the years.
The group also spreads awareness and important information about the dangers of reckless drugged or drunk driving. They make sure to share up-to-date statistics about these kinds of crashes at a state level. They also offer progress reports every year for each state concerning their efforts to fight drunk driving.
In 2019, for example, California launched a multi-year pilot program mandating interlocks for repeat offenders, while making the devices optional for first-time offenders. Ignition interlocks are devices that measure the alcohol content of the driver’s breath before allowing the engine to get started. For MADD, this is not enough. They are fighting to make sure California becomes one of the states, there are now 34 that do so, that make interlocks mandatory for all convicted drunk drivers. This means no option available for first-time offenders.
MADD has some other recommendations for California as well. Besides, passing an ignition interlock law for all offenders, the state should also require ignition interlocks for anyone who refuses a breathalyzer. Lastly, the group would like to see California create a law making child endangerment a felony.
They are busy all across the country, as well. From coast to coast, MADD hosts award ceremonies for officers dedicated to the cause, puts on awareness events for the holidays (a time of increased traffic accidents), and releases public service announcements.
As you can see, these men and women have dedicated a lot of their time and efforts to make sure the streets are safe. They tirelessly lobby, advocate and educate in order to look out for their families and ours. They want to keep those drinking from getting behind the wheel and, especially for teenagers, to stop anyone from getting into cars with any drunk drivers. It is a thankless task sometimes, with some states taking longer than others to pass the much-needed legislation that keeps drinking drivers off the road. But, for everyone that hails a cab instead, for every prom group that books a limo, and for every reveler who makes it home safe- obviously, it is more than worth the struggle.
blogs
Winter Bicycle Riding Tips
With cold winds in your face and slick surfaces to navigate, the winter is not the ideal to ride on your typical bicycle. Many of us use a bike as our regular transportation, and some of us have our bikes tricked out for winter riding, as well. In order to make the most of your […]
Holiday Travel Safety
As we get into the holiday season, it’s a good time to think of some relaxing times spent at home with loved ones. Having a nice meal, meeting new spouses and grandchildren, or just coming together finally after a long time apart- it is a period of joy and togetherness. For these reasons and more, […]
The Most Common Types of Motorcycle Injury
The Most Common Types of Motorcycle Crashes According to the National Institute of Health, there are four main types of motorcycle crashes. Distinguishing these by category helps determine patterns that can later be used to help treat such accidents. The four main types are: The Most Common Injuries on a Motorcycle In the same study, […]
Lemon Laws and How They Have Impacted Jeep Car Recalls
Lemon Laws and How They Have Impacted Jeep Car Recalls Purchasing a car calls for careful consideration if you are to find a reliable model that suits your needs. More importantly, you need to understand existing laws concerning the warranty, equity, insurance, and various other crucial aspects. Lemon laws are designed to protect buyers from […]
Car Accident Compensation Laws in California
Every year, careless and reckless drivers cause many accidents leading to severe injuries and death countrywide. In California, car accidents are due to the state’s large population and a high number of vehicles. On numerous occasions, irresponsible drivers always get away with their mistakes. Luckily, there are compensation laws in California aimed to hold at-fault […]
Accidents with the Uninsured
Let’s say the worst happens and you find yourself in a serious car accident. Even if everything after the crash goes according to plan, it is a difficult and confusing process. But if you add to all this the fact that the other person is not insured, you could be left facing an absolute nightmare. […]
Understanding California’s Lemon Law
Under California’s Lemon Law, you are protected as a consumer when a vehicle you have purchased is deemed defective and cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of repair attempts. This helps keeps dangerous vehicles off the road, leads you with legal recourse if you are sold a faulty vehicle, and helps get you back […]
Facts About Ridesharing Accidents
Even in cities that are considered to be “car cultures,” rideshare services are quickly becoming a solid alternative for those who don’t want to abandon their car after a night out, or don’t want to take public transportation. For some, Uber and Lyft, etc are their best bet for timely arrival to work or a […]
Common Land Rover Problems: When to Apply the Lemon Law
Range Rovers have an irresistible allure. One characterized by a sporty appearance, high performance, and luxurious interior. They also have a high safety rating, but it’s not uncommon for them to experience problems that render them as lemon. Some of the issues have led to recalls, and others are yet to be addressed by the […]
Basic Bike Safety
Since 2014, in Los Angeles, more than 180 bicyclists lost their lives when colliding with motor vehicles in and around Los Angeles. More than 50,000 bicyclists suffer serious injuries in such collisions nationally. Understanding some basic bike safety might help you better avoid accidents in the future. As bicycles increase in daily use for Americans, […]
contact form
