MADD Holds a Virtual Candlelight Vigil on April 6 and Urges Everyone to Join MADD’s Advocacy Network to Help End Impaired Driving
(Irving, Texas – April 3, 2025) Every 78 seconds, someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash. The headlines may fade, but for victims, survivors, and their families, the trauma never ends. Impaired driving is not an accident—it is a crime that shatters lives and devastates communities. During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is not only reaffirming its commitment to those impacted by impaired driving but also calling on the public to take action now by joining MADD’s Advocacy Network to push for stronger victim protections and advance lifesaving measures like the HALT Drunk Driving Law.
This year’s NCVRW theme, “Kinship, Connecting, and Healing,” serves as a national call to action: No victim should have to suffer alone. MADD is urging the public to stand with victims and survivors—not just in words, but through advocacy. By joining the MADD Advocacy Network, individuals can fight for justice, push for stronger impaired driving laws, and help prevent future tragedies.
As part of this observance, MADD will host a live virtual candlelight vigil on April 6 to honor victims and survivors. The vigil will be featured on the national MADD Facebook page and in the MADD Victim/Survivor private Facebook group, providing a shared space of remembrance, healing, and solidarity.
Now is the Time for Action: Join the MADD Advocacy Network
“For more than 40 years, MADD has stood with victims of impaired driving, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected,” said Stacey D. Stewart, MADD CEO. “But supporting victims is not enough—we must also take action to end impaired driving altogether. That’s why we are inviting everyone to join MADD’s Advocacy Network today. Together, we can push for full implementation of anti-drunk driving technology in all new cars, strengthen victim protections, and demand justice for those impacted by this violent crime.”
MADD’s Advocacy Network is a growing movement of individuals who are fighting for change. By joining, members will:
- Advocate for full implementation of the HALT Drunk Driving Law, which requires all new cars to be equipped with lifesaving anti-drunk driving technology.
- Push for stronger penalties for impaired drivers and expanded rights for victims.
- Ensure crime victims’ rights are enforced in every state.
- Support funding for victim services, ensuring no one faces the aftermath of a crash alone.
Join MADD’s Advocacy Network today at MADD.org/advocate
Support, Resources, and Rights for Victims of Impaired Driving
Long after an impaired driving crash, families, friends and entire communities struggle with grief, survivors cope with life-altering injuries, and victims seek justice. MADD’s free, 24/7 Victim Services ensure that no survivor or victim’s family faces these challenges alone. MADD’s trained victim advocates provide:
- Emotional support for victims and their loved ones
- Assistance with crime victim compensation
- Guidance through the criminal and civil justice systems
- Court accompaniment for hearings and trials
- Help with victim impact statements
- Connections to other victims and survivors with shared experiences
- Referrals to additional resources and support groups.
Victims of impaired driving have legal rights and protections designed to ensure they receive justice, compensation, and ongoing support. Every victim deserves to know their rights and have the resources needed to navigate the legal system.
Compensation for Victims:
- Victims may be compensated for some expenses like medical, lost wages, counseling or funeral expenses
- State crime victim compensation programs can help cover these costs
- Victims may be compensated for some expenses like medical, lost wages, counseling or funeral expenses.
Legal Rights:
- Victims have the right to be informed of criminal justice proceedings related to their case
- Victims have the right to attend and be heard at court proceedings, including sentencing and parole hearings
- Victims have the right to submit a victim impact statement
- Victims have the right to be notified when the impaired driver is released from incarceration
Resources for Victims:
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD): Provides victim assistance, including connecting victims with crime victim compensation. Learn more at org/victim-assistance
- National Center for Victims of Crime: Provides information and legal assistance for crime victims
- VictimLaw: Offers a searchable database of victims’ rights laws, protections, and resources
- VINE: Some states have the VINE system, which allows victims and their families to register for real-time updates on an offender’s custody and court status
- Attorneys: Consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer may help victims pursue civil action for additional compensation
“Despite decades of progress, drunk driving deaths have surged by 33% since 2019—an alarming trend that proves we must do more to protect lives,” Stewart said. “Passing the HALT Drunk Driving Law was a major victory, but laws only save lives when they are implemented. We must ensure this technology is in every new car by 2030. The tools to stop impaired drivers exist. Now, we need action. We need you.”
Take action today by joining the MADD Advocacy Network at MADD.org/advocate to fight for stronger victim protections and lifesaving technology.
MADD urges all victims to explore their rights and seek support. If you or a loved one has been impacted by an impaired driving crash, you are not alone. Contact MADD’s 24/7 Victim Helpline at 1-877-MADD-HELP (1-877-623-3435) for guidance, advocacy, and support.
About MADD
Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is a national nonprofit leading the movement to end impaired driving for good. Since 1980, MADD has helped reduce drunk driving deaths in America by nearly 40%, saved more than 475,000 lives, and served more than one million victims and survivors. The organization is committed to leading prevention efforts with young adults, collaborating with law enforcement to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers, as well as advocating for stricter sentencing and stronger laws, including the HALT Drunk Driving Law that mandates anti-drunk driving technology in every new car. MADD continues to provide support services to victims and survivors of impaired driving at no charge through victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. For more information or to donate, visit https://madd.org/ and follow MADD on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
