Why support MADD?

So, we've talked a lot about the Walk, but there's a more important issue to consider before you even sign up. . .why support MADD? Let's look at the Power of Parents (It's Your Influence)®.

Here are some rather shocking statistics that you may have not heard before:

• 1 in 3 8th graders drinks alcohol.
• 1 in 5 teens binge drink.
• Only 1 in 100 parents believe his or her child binge drinks.
• Teen alcohol use kills about 6,000 people each year, more than all illegal drugs combined.

So, you may understand now why MADD is so important. MADD works to protect families from drunk driving and underage drinking. With the help of those (supporters like you!) who want a safer future, MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® will end this danger on American roads. 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.

Research shows that parents are the leading influence on kids' decisions about drinking alcohol. As a parent, It's Your Influence®! A GfK Roper Youth Report showed that 74% of kids (8-17) said their parents are the leading influence on their decisions about drinking. When parents and kids are better connected, kids are less likely to drink or use other drugs. Check out the Power of Parents website for more information.

This program is just one of the many aspects of MADD you're supporting by joining us in the walk. . .and we're so thankful for that!