By Kellan Howell, AAA Media Relations Manager
As the holiday season approaches, AAA and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are reflecting on a year of collaboration, progress and a shared commitment to making our roads safer.
One year ago, AAA and MADD launched an ambitious five-year partnership with a goal of reducing impaired-driving deaths by 20% by 2030. Since then, the organizations have been working together to turn that commitment into action.
By combining MADD’s passionate network of advocates, victims and survivors with AAA’s clubs, members and traffic safety expertise, the partnership is building a stronger, more unified voice for change.
A Year of Partnership in Action
Over the past year, AAA and MADD have worked together to advance solutions that prevent impaired driving and encourage safer choices behind the wheel.
Together, we’ve:
Encouraged safer choices during high-risk travel periods. Through joint public awareness campaigns around major holidays and events, including the World Cup in partnership with Waymo, AAA and MADD have reminded drivers to plan ahead for a safe ride home.
Explored innovative vehicle technology. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), leaders from both organizations had the opportunity to see firsthand emerging technologies designed to detect and prevent impaired driving, reinforcing the important role innovation can play in saving lives.
Advocated for effective impaired-driving countermeasures. MADD and AAA advocates have continued working together to advance impaired-driving prevention policies at the state and federal levels, including through advocacy days on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
These efforts reflect the power of collaboration, bringing together public education, research, technology and advocacy to address impaired driving from multiple angles.
And we’re just getting started.
Safe Choices. Safe Rides.
As the partnership enters its next chapter, AAA and MADD are embracing a simple message: Safe Rides Start with Safe Choices.
That message is especially important during the holiday season, when celebrations bring friends and families together and millions of Americans take to the roads.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, traveling to see loved ones or enjoying a night out with friends, making a plan for a safe ride home is one of the most important choices you can make.
AAA and MADD encourage everyone to keep these tips in mind throughout the holiday season:
Plan Ahead for a Safe Ride
Make your transportation plan before the celebration begins. Choose a sober designated driver, arrange a rideshare, use public transportation or plan to stay overnight.
If you’re driving, stay alcohol- and drug-free. A designated driver should remain completely sober throughout the event.
Know what can impair your driving. Alcohol isn’t the only concern. Cannabis, certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, and combinations of substances can affect your ability to drive safely.
Give yourself extra time. Holiday traffic, winter weather and fatigue can make travel more stressful. Avoid rushing or making last-minute transportation decisions.
Look Out for Friends and Loved Ones
Only ride with a sober driver. If you’re unsure whether someone is safe to drive, find another way home.
Speak up when someone shouldn’t drive. Offer to call a rideshare, arrange another driver or help them find a safe place to stay.
Make safety part of the celebration. If you’re hosting, offer nonalcoholic beverages, encourage guests to plan their rides in advance and be prepared to help arrange transportation.
Buckle up, every trip. Whether you’re behind the wheel or riding along, always wear your seat belt.
Looking Ahead to a Safer Year
As AAA and MADD celebrate the first year of their partnership, the focus remains firmly on the future.
There is still important work ahead—from advancing effective policies and innovative technology to empowering communities and encouraging more people to make safe choices behind the wheel.
But meaningful change also begins with the everyday decisions each of us makes.
This holiday season, AAA and MADD encourage everyone to drive sober, ride only with sober drivers and speak up when someone should not get behind the wheel.
Together, we can make this holiday season—and every season—safer for everyone on the road.
