Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is a nonprofit organization in the United States that works to prevent drunken driving and underage drinking. The organization also provides assistance to the families of drunken driving victims. Such assistance includes providing emotional support and helping families to understand the criminal justice system. MADD also helps families to get involved with victim support groups. The organization has several million members.
Candy Lightner, a California woman, founded MADD in 1980. She started the organization after her 13-year-old daughter was killed by a repeat drunken driving offender. Since its founding, MADD has worked with federal and state legislators to increase the number of anti-drunken driving laws. Members also work to strengthen existing drunken driving laws. MADD conducts a variety of prevention programs for children and adults. The group also sponsors national media campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of drunken driving and underage drinking. MADD is funded by individual donors, corporate support, and government grants.
MADD has its headquarters in Irving, Texas.
