Mothers Against Drunk Driving

What is MADD?

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) was founded in 1980 by Candy Lightner, a woman who lost her 13-year-old daughter, Cari, to a drunk driver. Lightner quickly found that existing laws not only protected drunk drivers to a great extent but also that she as a victim was not even allowed to look at a driver’s record to determine if he or she had been cited for previous offenses.

Determined to change the face of legislation regarding this societal problem, Lightner, and her friends founded MADD. At that time, 60 percent of all fatal accidents were the result of alcohol.

Victims from all over the country rushed to open local chapters. Today, MADD is one of the largest victim services in the United States and provides help to over 63,000 people each year, whose lives are directly impacted by a drunk driver.

“The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to stop drunk driving and support the victims of this violent crime”

Demas Law Group, P.C., Supports MADD

The injury attorneys at Demas Law Group, P.C., in Sacramento fully support MADD’s mission and programs.

Sadly, California drunk drivers do not just affect themselves – in over half of the cases resulting in accidents, they hit other people. For example, of the 1,768 cases in which people died in DUI-related crashes last year, over half involved multiple vehicles.

“Unfortunately, as personal injury attorneys, we see the devastating effects of drunk driving all too often”, says attorney John Demas. “Victims of drunk drivers need all the resources and support they can get. MADD does an excellent job not only at curbing drunk driving but also at providing support to thousands of victims.”

Every year, Demas Law Group, P.C., attorneys, and staff raise money to sponsor a team for the “Walk Like MADD” event in Sacramento. All proceeds go directly to MADD for use in helping victims of drunk driving. The Demas Law Group is also partnering with MADD in their education and outreach efforts directed towards teenagers.

How Can You Help?

You can become involved in several ways. First, you can make contributions directly to MADD by visiting their website at www.madd.org. You can also participate in walks organized in dozens of cities throughout the year (information is available on their website). If you cannot attend a walk, you can also sponsor a team as a “virtual walker”!

And please, if you know anyone who has been injured in an accident with a drunk driver, make sure they report it and they get the help they need.

This literature may be considered attorney advertising or an offer of professional services, according to rule 1-400 Rules of Professional Conduct by the State Bar of California. The information does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your potential legal matter.