Mothers Against Drunk Driving was founded in 1980, out of the tragic death of a thirteen-year old California girl who was killed by a repeat offender drunk driver. The rapid development and expansion of the organization, fueled by her mother's outrage at the lenient laws and weak judicial response to the crime of drunk driving, signaled that the battle against drunk driving was on in earnest.The campaign, sustained by the activism of the founder and countless other dedicated volunteers, grew into a national crusade. With more than two million members and supporters in 2000, MADD continues to take seriously its long-term goal of putting a final end to tragedies caused by alcohol and other drug-impaired driving.  Since its founding, MADD has expanded from a group of angry activists marching on state capitals toa full-fledged, non-profit volunteer organization with an array of programs forgeting a wide range of impaired driving, victim assistance and underage drinking issues.  In 1998, MADD changed its mission statement to reflect the emphasis of the organization on the prevention of underage drinking, and today MADD has a growing number of youth programs.

Public awareness programs include MADD's "Tie One On For Safety" Campaign and Designated Driver programs. MADD State Organizations and Chapters annually join with local and state law enforcement inpromoting high visibility enforcement campaigns.

MADD's Rating the States Program evaluates the progress made at the national and state level to reduce alcohol-related deaths and injuries and provides challenges to states to improve their laws and efforts to reduce drunk driving and underage drinking and enhance victim services.

These are just a few of MADD's ongoing efforts to accomplish its mission. MADD has an established presence in all 50 states and functions through 38 active state organizations and some 624 chapters nationwide. MADD has also grown to include affiliates in Canada, Guam and Puerto Rico, and in 1999 MADD established its first chapter on a Native American Indian Reservation with the chartering of the Turtle Mountain MADD Chapter in North Dakota.

MADD Florida continues to support the mission of our parent organization.  With 25 chapters directly representing 38 counties throughout the state, MADD Florida remains active in providing support to victims of drunk driving, establishing youth programs, and participating in the legislative process to help in establishing more stringent laws regarding drunk driving and underage drinking.  Florida's DUI laws are  among the nations toughest, due in part to MADD Florida's diligence.

Yet, there is much work to do.  Volunteers are the foundation of the organization and play a crutial role in continuing to make our highways safer for Florida residents and the thousands of people who visit us each year.  If you would like to volunteer, contact your local MADD Office (see the "State Leadership" link off the main MADD Florida web site or Florida State Leadership .