New Survey Shows Importance of MADD's Work to End Drunk Driving

Thirty years after its inception, drunk driving remains a primary threat to the American family

DALLAS, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today released a National Survey of Drinking and Driving Attitudes and Behaviors confirming the importance of MADD's work to eliminate drunk driving and keep alcohol out of the hands of kids.

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"The survey makes one thing very clear: drunk driving remains a primary threat to the American family," said Laura Dean-Mooney, MADD National President.  "This means that MADD's work won't be done until cars are turned into the cure, eliminating drunk driving forever."

While drunk driving fatalities have dropped nearly 44 percent since MADD's inception 30 years ago, four out of five persons surveyed still consider drinking and driving as a major threat to their personal safety.  The survey also showed support for in-car breathalyzers, known as ignition interlocks, as well as sobriety checkpoints, both key parts of MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving®.  

"It is gratifying to see that Americans overwhelmingly support MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving®," said Dean-Mooney.  

The campaign aims to protect families by supporting the heroes who keep our roads safe through high-visibility law enforcement; requiring convicted drunk drivers to blow before they go with the use of ignition interlock devices; and turning cars into the cure through the development of technology that automatically determines whether or not the driver is above the legal limit of .08 and failing to operate if the driver is impaired.  

The survey also shows that underage drinking remains a significant problem among America's youth.  When young people decide to combine drinking and driving, they do so after drinking heavily.  

"We know that the younger kids start drinking alcohol, the more likely they are to become drunk drivers," said Dean-Mooney.  "This data reiterates that point and makes it clear that parents need to talk to their kids about the dangers of drinking underage early and often."

Understanding that parents are the number one influence in their child's decision to drink, MADD launched a new program with the support of Nationwide Insurance called Power of Parents, It's Your Influence®.  The program provides parents the tools necessary to talk to their children about alcohol.  

"Ultimately, the survey just emphasizes the importance of MADD's work," said Dean-Mooney.  "We must continue our work to make American families safe from the dangers of drunk driving and underage drinking – lives are at stake."

About Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Founded by a mother who lost her daughter in a crash, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation's largest nonprofit working to protect families from drunk driving and underage drinking.  With the help of those who want a safer future, MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® will end this danger on American roads.  And, Power of Parents, It's Your Influence® offers research-proven strategies to help parents keep their children safe from the dangers of underage drinking.  One of the largest victim services organizations in the U.S., MADD also supports drunk driving victims and survivors – serving one person every 10 minutes – at no charge.  To learn more about MADD, visit madd.org or call 1-800-GET-MADD.  For victims/survivors, call 1-877-MADD-HELP.

SOURCE Mothers Against Drunk Driving