About MADD

In May 1980, 13-year-old Cari Lightner was killed by a drunk driver as she walked on the sidewalk in her suburban Sacramento neighborhood. The driver, Clarence William Busch, did not stop, but when he was apprehended he was found to have a blood alcohol level of 0.20 percent and previous drunk-driving convictions. He was, in fact, out on bail for a similar hit-and-run.

The Lightners' story was horrifying but not unique--there were 27,000 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in the United States that year, 2,500 of themin California. However, in this case, the girl's mother, Candace Lightner, a real estate agent, used her grief to fuel a new grassroots organization dedicated to reshaping the public's perception of drunk driving.

Today, MADD is the largest crime victims’ assistance organization in the world with more than 3 million members and supporters.
MADD is about committed spirits and determined volunteers. It is the embodiment of victim support and assistance. MADD is tangible proof that social attitudes can be radically changed. Since MADD’s inception, alcohol-related traffic fatalities have declined 43 percent.

Statistics indicate that in 1980, 55 percent (28,100) of the nation’s 51,091 traffic fatalities were alcohol-related. In 1999, alcohol-related fatalities represented 38 percent (15,794) of the nation’s 41,345 traffic fatalities, according to preliminary statistics.

Due in large part to MADD’s efforts, more than an estimated 138,000 people are alive today and an untold number have received comfort, support and assistance in dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving crash.

Together we can make a difference!

MADD New Mexico is in need of volunteers to help spread our mission.
Volunteers are the heart and soul of MADD. It is their compassion and determination that drives the organization and it is their tireless
efforts that have accomplished so much.
Whether you’re interested in volunteering a couple of times a year or a couple of times a week,
there’s a place for you at MADD. WE ARE ONE VOICE WITH ONE MISSION - We will eliminate Drunk Driving!

If you are interested in learning more about our volunteer opportunities, please contact MADD New Mexico at:505-255-2955.
Volunteer for MADD Forms: http://www.madd.org/Forms/Volunteer-Form.aspx

MADD New Mexico Upcoming Events

1st Annual Youth Leadership Summit

Who:  Open to student organizations and Youth ages 14-18

When:  Tuesday July 28, 2009

Where:  Embassy Suites Hotel , 1000 Woodward Place NW Albuquerque, NM 87102

Cost:  The event is Free but space is limited, registration Deadline is July 17, 2009.

Event Description

The goal of this summit is to educate local student leaders about the effects of alcohol on their developing brains, to give them the tools they need to make a positive change in their communities, and to ensure the underage drinking laws are being enforced by the community in which we live.  The summit includes several workshops and speakers on youth advocacy, alcohol awareness, and leadership skills.

Keynote Speaker, Jeff Yalden from MTV's MADE.

For more informaion please contact Hector Martinez or Al Foster at 505-255-2955.  or by email at hector.martinez@madd.org,al.foster@madd.org.

SUMMIT REGISTRATION FORM