Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about MADD or its work? Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive. Just click on a question below for an instant answer!

I received an email petition accompanied by a poem about a young girl killed by a drunk driver. Is this petition sponsored by MADD? What happens to the signatures?
Is SADD a part of MADD?
How do I cite MADD's Web site?
Can I link to the MADD site?
Does MADD accept funds from the alcohol industry?
How can I contact my local MADD office?
Who founded MADD?
I heard that MADD's founder was arrested for drunk driving. Is this true?

I received an email petition accompanied by a poem about a young girl killed by a drunk driver. Is this petition sponsored by MADD? What happens to the signatures?

The petition circulating via e-mail accompanied with the poem titled "I Went to a Party Mom" did not originate with nor is it endorsed by MADD.
While the petition you received probably began with good intentions, MADD did not initiate the campaign. Some variations of the e-mail use language that we feel to be inappropriate. Moreover, the e-mail asks you to participate in a petition, which does little to advance the fight against drunk driving.

Your inquiry about this petition shows that you would like to help. You can make a real difference today in the fight against drunk driving and underage drinking by signing MADD's official Pledge to Eliminate Drunk Driving.
Browse our Web site to learn how you can play a part in MADD's lifesaving work and to find out more about the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. If you are a MADD supporter, please also consider making a donation to MADD.

The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking. Thank you again for your support.

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Is SADD a part of MADD?

Although we have similar names, SADD is not part of MADD. SADD stands for Students Against Destructive Decisions. Visit the Underage Drinking Prevention section of our site to learn how you can help prevent underage drinking and support the 21 minimum legal drinking age.

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How do I cite MADD's Web site?

A good format to follow for our Web site is as follows: (use relevant items)
Name of Author (if present). Title of Page. For a posting to a discussion list or forum, the name of the list or forum. Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Date the article was accessed by the person writing the paper formatted as 5 January 2010 www.madd.org.

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Can I link to the MADD site?

MADD encourages both individuals and organizations to link to our national site as an information resource. However, links may not be used to imply MADD's endorsement of any product, service or political affiliation.

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Does MADD accept funds from the alcohol industry?

MADD does NOT accept any funds or in-kind donations from the alcohol industry. In fact, such contributions are prohibited by the Position Statements passed by MADD's national board of directors.

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How can I contact my local MADD office?

Use our Get Local search to locate the MADD office closest to you. Simply select your state and press 'Go.'

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Who founded MADD?

Candy Lightner founded MADD in 1980 following the death of her 13-year-old daughter Cari in Fair Oaks, Calif., on May 3. Cari was walking to a school carnival when a drunk driver struck her from behind. The driver had three prior drunk driving convictions and was out on bail from a hit-and-run arrest two days earlier.

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I heard that MADD's founder was arrested for drunk driving. Is this true?

MADD’s founder has never been arrested for drunk driving.

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