Report to the Nation
By MADD | November 16, 2011 | Filed in: Drunk Driving

In November 2006, MADD launched its Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving®.  Today, on the fifth anniversary, we’re releasing a Report to the Nation, which rates each state on its progress toward eliminating drunk driving.

Since the launch in 2006, substantial progress has been made, but there is still much work to be done. The Report rates the nation three-stars on a five-star scale (based on the average of the state ratings).  In addition, updated figures show that drunk driving costs the United States more than $132 billion annually.

View the full Report to the Nation to learn more, or see where your state ranks on our interactive map.

During this time of year, when drunk driving crashes are most prevalent, we are reminded that the goal of the Campaign is to have no more drunk driving victims. MADD calls on the nation to rededicate itself to saving lives, preventing injuries and eliminating this primary threat on our nation’s roadways.

MADD’s Report to the Nation is sponsored by Nationwide Insurance and State Farm Insurance. For more information about the Report, you can view the press release.  For more information about MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, visit www.madd.org/campaign.

5th anniversary of the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving®
By MADD | November 11, 2011 | Filed in: Drunk Driving

On Wednesday, November 16th, MADD will mark the fifth anniversary of its Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® by issuing a drunk driving progress report.  Our Report to the Nation is based on a five-star scale, and rates the nation as a whole, along with each state, on their progress towards eliminating drunk driving through objective, proven countermeasures.

The Campaign was launched to bring about a quicker end to the leading cause of highway deaths.  After just five years:

• 15 states have mandatory all-offender ignition interlock laws, up from only one state.
• All 50 states now have some form of ignition interlock law, up from 45.
• Advanced in-vehicle alcohol detection technology is no longer just a concept, now in its second phase of development.

Make sure to check back on Wednesday, November 16th to download your free copy of MADD’s Report to the Nation.

MADD Props
By MADD | November 2, 2011 | Filed in: Drunk Driving , Underage Drinking

Did you know that teen alcohol use kills about 6,000 people each year,
more than all illegal drugs combined?  

  
That’s why MADD and the NFL have partnered for football season to encourage teens to not drink before age 21 and to never ride in a car with someone who’s been drinking. Teens can take a stand by signing pledges through the MADD’s Power of You(th) Facebook page where they can also enter to win NFL prizes by drafting friends to do the same. 

Help us spread the word about MADD Props to all the teens you want to keep safe from underage drinking and drunk driving.  Have them visit facebook.com/MADDsPowerofYouth to take the pledge and enter to win cool NFL gear (must between the ages of 13 and 20 to win prizes).

If you have a Facebook account, you can also visit facebook.com/maddspowerofyouth and click the “share” link on the bottom left to share the page on your wall, or take the pledge yourself and get the MADD Props badge on your wall.

Teens:  when you choose to steer clear of drinking and getting into a car with a drunk driver, MADD and the NFL want to give you MADD Props. Take the pledge now!

Moving Among Heroes
By Jan Withers | October 29, 2011 | Filed in: Drunk Driving , Victim Services

Walking among thousands of law enforcement officers last week at the International Association of Chiefs of Police, IACP, Convention I felt safe and inspired.  I was continuously impressed with their sincere commitment to doing their very best.   Carl McDonald, MADD’s Law Enforcement Initiative Coordinator and Carly’s dad, has represented our mission among these committed servants for several years.

Sitting in as a new member of their Victim Services Committee, I was particularly impressed that they don’t just talk the talk but they have their sleeves rolled up and are working on ways to supporting victims of crime instead of merely treating them as sources of evidence.  The committee chairman summarized the importance of victim services with, “We need to remember that we are peace officers first and law enforcement second.”

This is an amazing group of individuals and I am so proud of our partnership with the Heroes Who Make Our Roads Safe.

Carl McDonald and Jan Withers

I flew from one assembly of champions to Boston, Massachusetts, where I was privileged to join another group of superstars.   MADD is a mighty organization.   Part of our strength is the bond we share for our mission.  Everywhere I go I feel as though I am with family. I reconnected with an old friend, Matt Shedd, former board member.  Their daughter, Hillary, was killed by a drunk driver close to the time my daughter, Alisa, was killed.  Over tea we talked with Mary Kate DePampilis, who is the new Special Events Coordinator for MADD Massachusetts.  As we reminisced, she picked our brains for information.  By the end of the evening I believe she could also feel the “family” atmosphere. 

 
Mary Kate DePampilis and Matt Shedd

A very successful Lobby Day was the result of tremendous effort and expertise of David DeIuliis, Program Manager for MADD Massachusetts.  He is extremely skilled as well as a deeply compassionate individual.  Six years ago Melanie’s Law was established, requiring repeat convicted drunk drivers to have ignition interlocks on their vehicles for two years.  Thirteen-year-old Melanie Powell was walking to a birthday party with her friends when a repeat drunk driver killed her.   Her grandfather, Ron Bersani, worked tirelessly to get this law passed.  Now Senator Hedlund has sponsored a bill to require all convicted offenders to use ignition interlocks.  

Melanie’s mother - Nancy Powell, Ron Bersani, Jan Withers, David DeIuliis

Thanks to Dave’s tireless efforts we accomplished so much that day.  There was extensive media coverage, including some live interviews on news talk shows and we talked to several senators and their staff. 

 
Elizabeth Hopkins on Fox 25 Morning News

Here I was on Boston’s Beacon Hill, at the heart of the city where our forefathers first demanded their voices to be heard.    I found myself a bit in awe – that because of them, today we still have the freedom to expect our voices to count.    As we walked the halls of the historic State House, I was again inspired with the dedication of a few individuals who are relentless in their work to make positive change - to save lives. 

 
Ron Bersani gave a powerful and persuasive speech.

Ghosts and goblins are not the scariest part of Halloween
By MADD | October 28, 2011 | Filed in: Drunk Driving , General

Halloween night is one of the deadliest nights of the year because of those driving under the influence.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on Halloween night in 2009, 48 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher.
MADD urges both partygoers and trick-or-treaters to plan ahead to keep everyone safe.

Hosting a Halloween party:

• Never serve alcohol to those under the age of 21
• Plan safe parties, including providing non-alcoholic drink options to guests and not serving alcohol during the last hour of the party
• Be prepared to get everyone home safe in case your plans change

Going trick-or-treating:

• Be extra alert when crossing the street
• Wear bright, reflective clothing or add reflective tape to costume and treat bucket
• Bring a flashlight (with extra batteries) so you can see and be seen at night

Do your part to help keep this Halloween merry, not scary, by planning ahead and designating a sober driver.