Drunk Driving Movement

Superior Essays
The History of MADD and the Drunk Driving Movement

Driving while intoxicated is an issue surrounding many in our society since the invention of the automobile. Although it’s been the topic of countless conversations over the decades, it was consequently the elephant in the room that no one spoke of. However, with the emergence of different awareness movements, such as the victims of drunk driving in the late 1970s and early 1980s, (Rid) Remove Intoxicated Drivers and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (Madd), society could no longer turn a blind eye with the full scale awareness of these movements. The initial idea for Mothers against Drunk Drivers came about because of the loss of Candy Lightener’s daughter Cari lightner, a 13-year-old who
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Requiring these citizens to use these devices to start their vehicle, as well as every 15 minutes after while in the vehicle, (ABI) serves as an interest group standing firm in support of the restaurant and beverage industry. The American beverage institute is very forthcoming in their opposition, saying that the ignition interlock device would hinder citizens from enjoying alcoholic beverages at social gatherings or after hard day at work. (Maplight) another opposing view comes from the standpoint that the victim movement of drunk driving was not because of an occurrence of intoxicated driving because unfortunately that was happening long before the emergence of MADD but instead stems the feeling of loss, emptiness and injustice that needs to be resolved. (Reinarman, 1988, p. 91) “Reinarman (1988) suggest from the MADD perspective, then, the aperture of attribution for all the suffering in social cost that they claim are caused by drinking driving is constricted; only the loan deviant comes into focus. Such construction, I submit explains Industry support for the movement.” (p.105) Criminologist have said that victim impact panels have a higher probability for success because of the social situation the offenders are …show more content…
I tried to give a show of the monumental impact that the MADD has had on our society by their use of campaigning for laws to be passed that would ultimately put more severe sanctions on driving while intoxicated and consumption of alcohol by minors. MADD came about because of two women’s courage to not just stand by and allow their children to become just a another statistic in the report instead they became whistleblowers on driving while intoxicated, changing public opinion, giving voices to victims who could no longer speak for themselves, and giving support to their families. Although there will always be drinking and driving, a vast majority of citizens think twice not only because of the consequences that are now in place but because of the risk a loss of life that can unfortunately and become the ultimate consequence if you choose to drink and drive or ride with someone that has been drinking. This is because of the trailblazing perseverance of the Organization

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