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Mothers
Against Drunk Driving |
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Fall, 1997 Newsletter Contents:
Victim Advocacy: MADD's Work with Individuals and Families The most important work MADD does goes largely unseen. We are actively involved in legislation, educational programs, public awareness programs and victim services. Many people know little about MADD's trained victim advocates. They provide not only a shoulder to cry on but information and resources from the moment a crash victim calls us. All our services to victims are free. MADD rigorously holds to the principle of not contacting the victims ourselves because we do not want to call or appear uninvited. Therefore, we rely on many sources (friends or relatives, hospitals, funeral homes, and law enforcement agencies) to give victims our number. If we learn about a drunk driving crash in the media, we send a card, but we still depend on the victimized family to call and ask us to be involved. When victims call MADD, there are a myriad of things an advocate can do to help. Advocates provide grief support through empathetic listening in person or by telephone. We are a referral source for other help as well. We provide books and brochures, many of which are uniquely tailored to address the special needs of the bereaved, the injured, parents, adult siblings, teenagers, and children. We also have literature on recovering financially from a drunk driving crash. Advocates provide information on how to obtain crash reports, autopsy reports, an offenders' driving record, and information on blood alcohol content. Advocates explain how the often confusing criminal justice system works and how victims can become actively involved in the prosecution of the offender. We inform victims of their rights in the legal system. We accompany victims to court appearances for moral support and provide information and advocacy as needed. Advocates help victims write letters and a victim impact statement for the court at sentencing. MADD advocates receive a minimum of 40 hours of training and many of us have completed advanced training in areas such as cultural diversity, traumatic grief, complicated mourning, head injury and other specialized topics. We proudly represent the voice of the victim. If you are a victim of a drunk driving crash, or know someone who is, please call our office at (714) 838-6199. All of MADD's Victim Services are provided free of charge.
Victim Impact Panels: How They Help MADD Orange County currently works with five courts for the Victim Impact Panels. Three Panels have been offered each month in English and one Panel in Spanish every other month. The Victim Impact Panel (VIP) is a term used to describe a meeting of drivers convicted of alcohol-related violations and/or crashes, hosted by victims of alcohol related incidents (people whose lives have been significantly affected by drunk driving crashes). Whether a victim, or a family member of a victim, all of our volunteer speakers attend to educate possible repeat offenders. Their need to be there stems from a deep need to do something to help in the fight against drunk driving. Our program began in 1987. The first pilot panel was provided to 100 people recruited through a local counseling center. The support of local judges was secured. MADD, then worked with the Probation department to develop a process for referrals. After a consultation regarding the format, we were able to institute the program that fall. The audience generally consists of those who have already been sentenced, and are currently attending the Panel as part of their probation. However, when there is room, guests are often present. Those required to attend, but have been listed as a "no show" and who are not complying with the court order, will have a notice of non-compliance posted. It is possible that a warrant for that individual's arrest will be issued. The effectiveness of the VIP is that most actions taken against the drunk driving offenders focus on punishment, and consequently allowing the offender to perceive themselves as victims of police action. Offenders tend to rationalize their arrest as bad luck, especially if they were not involved in a crash. In contrast to this attitude, the VIP exposes the DUI offender to the deep grief of others hurt by such irresponsible driving. We strive to make this program one that continues to help change the attitudes of those people who have shielded themselves from being exposed to the hurt they have (or may have) caused. Our volunteer speakers usually consist of a police officer to introduce and conclude the presentation, up to three victims and possibly one offender all of whom are there to relate their experience. This is done in hopes of relating to the attendees their experiences in such a way as to give a clear understanding as to the devastation of a crash involving themselves or a family member who was either killed or injured. Our experience with this program has shown that the Panel can be very therapeutic for the Panelists. Some come to the Panels, even if they are not scheduled to speak to provide support to other Panelists. The Panel has become a way for some to work through their grief; for many it is one of the few places where they can talk about their loss, as many times their friends and family are tired of hearing about it. For those who have re-married, there are instances where the new spouse doesn't wish to hear about the former spouse and/or children. Thus, the panel becomes an important pressure release valve. The concept here is not for MADD to point fingers or to place blame, rather, it is our effort to raise the awareness, and change the thinking and behavior of those present. The responses to the program have been varied, and occasionally we get complete indifference. However, it is the many positive responses that continue to make this program worthwhile. And, the knowledge that one more person has been saved as they stand-up after what they have heard and emphatically state that they will ever drink and drive again. If you or someone you know would like to help us educate and positively change possible repeat offenders as a speaker in one of our panels, please call our office at (714) 838-6199 or fill out our online form. Together, we can make a difference!
One Drink . . . "It's as simple as A, B, C . . ." A. "One drink" means:
"One drink" does NOT mean one glass, one bottle or one can unless they contain the above amounts. B. Criminal penalties CAN BEGIN at blood alcohol level .05%
C. It takes at least one hour for your body to process each drink
D. So, if you're at least 21, and you choose to drink:
Don't Drink and Drive! Simple Enough?
House Resolution 981 & Senate Bill 412 - The Safe & Sober Streets Act of 1997 This legislation, which will require all states to adopt .08 as the illegal blood alcohol limit (BAC) in their state, is now coming up for vote in September or October. Currently, there are 15 states who have a illegal BAC level of .08 (Alabama, California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, Vermont). However, even for these states, members of Congress are being asked to support this lifesaving legislation. There are Legislators who oppose using federal sanctions to promote passage of impaired driving laws at the state level. They use what is called the State's rights Argument: "This is a state's rights issue and each state should decide for itself what their drunk riving laws should be without interference from the federal government." Is there a reasonable response to such an argument? There are some issues of such importance and require strong federal leadership. The safety of the public on our nation's highways is one of those issues. The federal government does not hesitate to control security at airports regardless of which states they are located in. They likewise require federal oversight into food and drug issues. Over the last couple of years we have seen more and more support on the federal level for tort reform, products liability reform and insurance reform. Federal law now requires ID checks of anyone purchasing tobacco products who appear to be under the age of 27. These areas have long been under the exclusive jurisdiction of the states. The safety of the traveling public is and should be an issue of national concern. When the time came for the 21 drinking age law to be the law of the land, sanctions were appropriate and the passage of that law has saved more than 14,000 young lives. When the time came for zero tolerance for drivers under the age of 21 to be the law of the land, sanctions were appropriate and these laws now enacted in 44 states are saving young lives every single day. This country has a national highway system and millions of Americans cross state lines everyday for business or pleasure. Their right to safe passage should not be controlled by special interest groups in states whose influence over a few thwarts the will of the majority of the citizens or the majority of the legislatures in the state. When former President Ronald Reagan, one of the strongest supporters of state's rights, signed the federal 21 minimum drinking age law, he acknowledged that there are some issues of such national importance that they require uniformity across the nation. When President Clinton signed the National Highway System Bill in 1995 which required states to adopt the zero tolerance laws for drivers under the age of 21, he reinforced the decision of a Republican Congress to make zero tolerance the law of the land. The overwhelming majority of the American Public believes that the federal government should play a major roll in highway safety and the majority of the American public supports the lowering of the illegal blood alcohol limit to .08. It is not only appropriate for the federal government to provide strong incentives for states to adopt .08 BAC laws, it is essential for us to realize the lifesaving benefits of this legislation. Current House Co-Sponsors of House of Representative Bill 981 for California
Current Senate Co-Sponsors of Senate Bill 412 for California
Volunteers are the heart and soul of MADD Orange County. Without them, MADD, Orange County would have no one to stand beside an injured survivor in court; offer a hug to a grieving family member; educate a school child that alcohol is a drug; or answer the question from a concerned citizen, "What can be done to stop the deaths and grievous injuries on our highways?" Every volunteer job at MADD Orange County is important! From supporting the office staff in the day-to-day implementation of programs to the handing out of information at booths to comforting the victims of alcohol related crashes. MADD volunteers work all over Orange County. Volunteers can choose to come to the office, work where needed in the county or remain in the area near their home. As a MADD volunteer, your time commitment is up to you. You can choose to work a few hours a day, a week, or a month. You may even choose to be on call for special events a few times a year. Each volunteer position involves some amount of training, a verbal agreement between the volunteer and the volunteer coordinator, supervision and feedback from the MADD staff or other experienced volunteers. The benefits of working for MADD Orange County include:
The requirements of being a MADD Orange County Volunteer include:
The commitments of the MADD Orange County office to each volunteer include:
Photographers & Historians: Opportunity for an energetic volunteer to keep a record of events throughout the year by coming to MADD events and being responsible for recording the event through pictures as well as the printed word. Speakers Bureau: Help increase the public's awareness about MADD and educate the community about the dangers of drinking and driving. Interested speakers attend a training course hosted by our staff and "seasoned veterans." Speakers have the exciting opportunity to represent MADD on military bases, in schools, at community functions and to civic groups. Day and evening speaking engagements are available. It is not necessary to be a victim of a drunk driver or a mother to be an effective speaker. Bi-lingual speakers are also greatly needed. Booth Volunteers: Volunteers who are available on weekdays and/or weekends to distribute informational literature, bumper stickers and other pertinent material at special events, fairs, and booths set up by community groups. This is a great chance to increase public awareness and meet new people. Office Workers: People who can work in our Tustin office on a continual or occasional basis answering phones, typing, collating, filing and coordinating events. Working in the office is a terrific way to meet new people and learn about what MADD does in the community. Deliveries: Help getting materials distributed throughout Orange County, as well as picking up materials and bringing them back to the office. Mileage is reimbursed for this position, and is a great time-saver for staff. Fund-raiser: During certain times of the year, MADD needs enthusiastic and assertive volunteers who can help find items for donation or can contact local businesses and individuals for needed funds. A real challenge for the right individuals. Artists: Background in art or graphics to develop posters, brochures, billboard ads and clip art. We could also use people to make party favors for special events. Checkpointers: Volunteers who love the "night-life" are needed to work with and encourage local law enforcement at Sobriety Checkpoints held throughout Orange County, helping to raise public awareness by MADD's involvement and distribution of educational literature when appropriate. Computer Technicians: Desperate need for someone with an extensive background in computer networking, as well as hardware and software troubleshooting for our office systems. This could be a real challenge for a person with the right qualifications! So if you or someone you know can be of any help in this area, please give us a call! If one or several of these volunteer opportunities appeal to you, please contact the MADD office at (714) 838-6199 or fill out our online form specifying which volunteer position interests you.
I am a mere statistic: A cold, unfeeling thing. I didn't used to be like this… I was a human being. With needs and loves and pleasures And simple joys and cares. But how did I end up like this? So painfully aware Of dreams and goals, my future Forever now denied. It isn't fair that it's like this! You drank, you drove, I died. . . . Katherine A. Stuart |
