One Father’s Grief Turns Into Action
‘Working with MADD is my personal form of therapy.’
A Knock on the Door that Changed Everything
 |
| Danny Nulman |
When Bob Nulman was mayor of Clinton, New Jersey, he figured the police chief and police commissioner knocking on his door were there on city business. Instead, he was devastated to learn that his 22 year-old son, Danny, and four fraternity brothers from Trenton State College had been killed by a drunk driver in an I-95 head-on collision.
“The 20-year-old drunk driver, who also died in the October 11, 1987 crash, was the mother of an infant. Four other people were injured after their car hit the highway wreckage.
“It was numbing,” says Bob. “Plus I had to get everyone else through it. But you can take the most negative thing ever in your life, and put a twist on it, or wring your hands and sob over it – even though we do that, too. I don’t let it control my whole life.”
A Bright Future Denied
A senior communications major, Danny would have soon graduated. “He was personable, funny, very bright, had many friends…was ready to blossom forth by starting a career, falling in love, whatever. No more,” Bob says.
This month marks the 21st anniversary of Danny’s death. He would have been 43 on September 30. “I recognize October and Thanksgiving are my most vulnerable times of the year,” says Bob.
A Push to Eliminate Drunk Driving – Dedicated to Danny
The former mayor’s active involvement with MADD is dedicated to Danny. “It’s a very positive thing to make an effort to eliminate drunk driving. Even though the idea seems pie in the sky, you can really embrace it, and it’s great to work for it to be a real deal,” Bob says. “I’m happy to be a part of it…to try to turn my most tragic life experience into something positive. I don’t want it to become an everyday thing.”
He has been a chapter officer, speaker, victim impact panel participant, fundraiser, certified victim advocate and TV spokesperson. “Working with MADD is my personal form of therapy. After 19 years in local government, I’m a comfortable public speaker. We all do what we can,” says Bob, admiring “the very special MADD staff and volunteers who all go above and beyond.”
Since completing eight years as mayor, Bob has served as a state water commissioner and telecommunications executive, but he’s proudest of his work to eliminate drunk driving Now retired, he also works as a “professional babysitter” for his seven grandchildren.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving crash, 
MADD Victim Services can help. We have more than 1,500 trained victim advocates nationwide who provide bereaved families and injured victims with support and information. Call our Victim/Survivor Helpline at
1-877-MADD-HELP (877-623-3435) to speak with a Victim Advocate.
Join the moderated MADD Victim Survivor Chat Support Group.
Mondays – 7:00 p.m. CT
Thursdays – 8:30 p.m. CT
Spanish – Wednesdays – 8:30 p.m. CT
MADD gives you a voice and a place where your loved ones can be honored. Visit our online victim’s tribute to submit information.