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.

MADD New Mexico's Activities:

Court Monitoring - MADD Court Monitoring Staff observe court proceedings to ensure that the laws relating to driving under
the influence are fully enforced.

Public Education - MADD members speak to groups of all sizes on the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

Victim Assistance - MADD Victim Advocates offer emotional support to victims by providing information and referrals.

Legislative Reform - MADD's Executive Director work with legislators to strengthen laws against alcohol and other drug impaired driving.

MADD Youth - MADD focus on youth with a series of educational and activism initiatives that directly involve young people in efforts to
prevent underage drinking and impaired driving. Programs include: Youth in Action Teams, and Protecting You / Protecting Me -
an elementary school curriculum program.

For further information regarding our activities and programs click on the links at your left.

MADD, New Mexico is committed to protecting you, your family, and your friends from impaired drivers.
That commitment is reinforced by the donations and support of our volunteers.

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