A mission begun when two dedicated mothers lost their daughters, has grown into a renowned national organization that has helped work for safer roadways in North Carolina for more than 20 years.
The mission of  Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is to stop drunk driving, support victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.
 
“Within North Carolina alone, over 84,000 individuals were cited for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in 2005,” said Craig Lloyd, MADD State Executive Director,  “and estimates show that only 1 out of every 200 drunk drivers are ever caught.”

Current statistics show that 3 out of 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol related crash at some point in their lives.

MADD helped push for an overhaul of the state’s DWI last year, closing several loopholes.

The new law will stiffens punishment for DWI crashes and underage consumption and sets a sentencing standard for judges and requires an explanation why decisions were made in every case.

Other MADD programs include the Victim Services Division, which helps families from the minute a crash happens through recovery with Victim Advocates who help families acquire counseling services, financial reimbursement for lost wages, medical, court appearances or funeral expenses.

MADD provides a 24-hour hotline and weekly online chat service for victims, their families and friends. Volunteers help law enforcement at roadside checkpoints, educational opportunities in the schools and outreach at locations like ALTELL Pavilion Entertainment complex where volunteers assist in the Designated Driver campaign during concerts.
MADD will host two major events in North Carolina this year, Strides for Change, a 5K noncompetitive walk which features daytime TV host Kelly Ripa, whose sister was injured by a drunk driver, and Shifting Gears Road Rally, a novelty family-friendly road rally featuring James Pickens Jr. of TV’s Grey’s Anatomy.