MADD For Prevention, Support Mothers Against Drunk Driving Opens New Chapter

Author: Karen Acheson Staff Writer

Three in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol related driving accident at some point during their lives. In the state of Vermont, 38.9 percent of traffic deaths are a result of alcohol consumption. Fortunately, an organization called Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) exists to reduce the number of victims associated with drunk driving accidents. Since the organization's founding in 1980, the amount of alcohol related traffic fatalities has declined 43 percent.

Last year Steve Jackson, a Shoreham, Vt., community member, raised his hand at a national MADD meeting and asked if it would be possible to have a local chapter in Addison County, since previously one did not exist. The MADD national office approved and pretty soon Jackson received a large box from National Headquarters with books and pamphlets stating rules and regulations.

MADD is a non-profit grassroots organization that currently has 600 chapters nationwide with representatives in all 50 states. Despite this fact, the Addison County chapter of MADD represents only the second chapter in the entire state of Vermont. Previously, the only other existing chapter was two hours away in the town of Northfield.

Jackson explained that, "MADD is not a crusade against alcohol consumption." In 1984, the organization changed its name from Mothers Against Drunk Drivers to its current name in order to reduce the emphasis on attacking irresponsible individuals.

Now the mission statement of the national organization of MADD claims "Our focus is to look for effective solutions to the drunk driving and underage drinking problems, while supporting those who have already experienced the pain of these senseless crimes." Its slogan remains "the voice of the victim," which indicates the importance of placing support on the side of the victims as opposed to blame on the side of the drivers.

MADD was founded in 1980 by a small group of mothers from California who were retaliating against the death of a teenage girl who was killed by a drunk driver with repeat offenses. It is currently one of the largest crime victims' organizations in the world with more than three million members and supporters.

The national organization's most notable legislative achievement was in 1984 when the group's actions resulted in a federal law that demanded that states increase the drinking age to 21 or else risk losing highway funding. MADD is also responsible for the frequently used saying "designated driver," which encourages people to establish a sober driver for the night.

Currently, meetings for the Addison County chapter are held every second Tuesday of each month from 5:15 to 6 p.m. at the Middlebury Union High School. Jackson emphasized that participating in the organization is not a demanding time commitment. "I believe in regular and very short meetings," he said. Jackson stressed that all community members and students are welcome and encouraged to attend. He hopes to have input from the community on projects that will "prevent drunk driving, eliminate underage drinking and support victims through educational programs aimed at students and adults alike."

So far there have been three meetings and the turnouts have not produced the numbers he had hoped for. "No one came to the first meeting in December," Jackson said.

However, he has not been discouraged and has instead focused his energy on educating the community on the availability of MADD in the area. The program is still nearly brand new, and on Jan. 11 he released the first finalized Addison County MADD 2002 calendar of events to the community.

Every month there are new volunteer opportunities available for anyone interested in getting involved. Some upcoming events include a Super Bowl Sunday Designated Driver Campaign in January, followed by a Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in February.