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The mission of MADD is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.
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Under 21: The Problem
 

Research on Youth

Driving under the influence is still the most frequently committed violent crime in America - and alcohol use is still the number one drug problem among our young people.

Studies show that more 18 and 19 year-olds die in low BAC alcohol-related crashes than any other group. Take a stand, set good examples, support the laws that are designed to protect you and your family - you may not get a second chance.

Why Does MADD Support ZERO TOLERANCE?

Research has shown that young impaired drivers are involved in fatal crashes at approximately twice the rate of adult drivers, aged 21 and over. And since 35 percent of all fatal crashes for underage drivers involve alcohol, it is imperative that young adults understand that the laws that have been established as a result of the zero tolerance policy are not meant to single out and punish young adults in particular, but rather to safeguard them against unsafe driving behaviors that threaten their well-being.

Did You Know...?

Parents drinking behavior and favorable attitudes about drinking have been positivly associated with adolescents' initiating and continuing drinking. (NIAAA, 1997)   In a recent survey, 14.6 percent of Caucasian high school students drive after drinking alcohol, compared to 12.7 percent for Hispanic and 7.9 percent for African Americans (CDC, 1999)
An early age of drinking onset is associated with alcohol-related violence not only among persons under age 21 but among adults as well. (Hingson et al, October 2001)   Youth who drink before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21. (NIAAA, 1997)
The highest prevalence of both binge and heavy drinking in 2000 was for young adults aged 18 to 25, with the peak rate occurring at age 21. (NHTSA, 2001)   Each year, college students spend approximately $5.5 billion on alcohol..more than they spend on soft drinks, milk, juice, tea, coffee and books combined. (Drug Strategies, 1999)
One in ten Americans aged 12 and older in 2000 (22.3 million people) drove under the influence of alcohol at least once in the 12 months prior to an interview for a nationwide survey. (SAMHSA, 2000)   About 9.7 million persons aged 12 to 20 reported drinking alcohol in the month prior to a nationwide survey in 2000. Of these, 6.6 million were binge drinkers and 2.1 million were heavy drinkers. (SAMHSA, 2000)
Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage among young people. (Grossman et al, 1994)   Fifty-four percent of teenage motor vehicle deaths in 2000 occurred on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. (IIHS, 2000)
High school binge drinking is a major predictor of binge drinking in college. (Weschler et al, 2002)   The intoxication rate for 16 to 20 year old drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2000 was 15 percent.