Staying Safe on the Road: Interview with Judy Utter of MADD

Earlier this month, we sat down with Judy Utter, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Services Specialist, to talk about their victim services program and how to plan ahead for holiday celebrations.

What is MADD’s mission?

MADD’s mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime, and to prevent under aged drinking.

What services does MADD provide for victims of drunk driving?

Our victims’ services vary depending on what our victims need. First of all we provide information on community resources that can assist the victims’ specific needs or emergency funding, and we attend court with victims if they want to be involved in the judicial process. We also have lots of grief materials that help victims cope with the grief and the emotions that surround a DUI. We have support groups in many of our offices including Sacramento, and I have facilitated one here for about 20 years. We are just generally available to listen to the victims and help them move forward from the crash.

What preventative programs are offered for under aged drivers?

We have three main focuses for educating under aged drivers. First we have our “Power of Parents” program that helps parents con verse with their teen about the issue of drinking. We also have a “Power of Teens” program which helps teen understand the reasons why 21 is the legal drinking age. Lastly we have our “Start Making a Right Turn” program which help teens who are in a crisis or who are on the edge by interacting with the teen and parents together to help get them back to the right path.

What is something that most people don’t know about drunk driving?

Drunk and Drugged Driving: An Ongoing Threat

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

We at CalVCP greatly admire the work of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Since their founding in 1980, MADD has made extraordinary progress in educating people about the tragic consequences of impaired driving. Unfortunately, too many still make the irresponsible, foolish choice to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Despite MADD’s incredible efforts over the past 30 years, nearly 1.5 million drivers were still arrested for DUI in 2010 across America.

From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

California has tried taking away impaired drivers’ licenses; 50-75% drive anyway. California has passed legislation requiring ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers in four counties: Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Tulare. Still, it is not enough. One out of every three traffic deaths still involves drunk driving, and, statistically, one in three people will be involved in a DUI crash in their lifetime.

As we commemorate National Drunk and Drugged Driving Month throughout December, and especially during this busy holiday season, CalVCP encourages everyone to reflect on what remains one of the deadliest crimes in the United States.

We see the faces of those families and loved ones left behind. We see the victims of impaired driving.

Last year, CalVCP processed nearly 850 claims from victims of impaired drivers. We provided nearly $750,000 in assistance for medical and mental health bills and burial costs. These aren’t just numbers; these are lives that are changed forever due to a crime that should never have happened. In our work with MADD, we see the faces of those families and loved ones left behind. We see the victims of impaired driving.

Law enforcement is crucial to keeping us safe; organizations like MADD and CalVCP are essential for taking care of the victims of crime; but it falls to you, the citizens of California, to stop impaired driving for good. Through awareness we can put an end to this devastating crime.

Here’s how you can save lives this holiday season:

• Prior to drinking, designate a sober driver or plan to use a cab.
• Assist an impaired person in securing a cab.
• Never allow your friends to drive impaired. Take their keys away. It could mean their life or someone else’s.
• Do not serve alcohol to an intoxicated person or a person under the age of 21.
• Make arrangements for nearby accommodations, if needed.
• Plan safe parties: provide non-alcoholic drink options to guests, assist in identifying designated drivers, and stop serving alcohol the last hour of the party.
• Be prepared to get everyone home safely in case your plans or circumstances change.

Thank you for doing your part to keep the roads safe.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.