Q&A: MADD leader works to get message out

Laurel Stadler is chapter director of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving- Lyon County. It is the only fully-chartered chapter in Nevada, with satellite offices in Reno and Winnemucca.

Stadler's title is the volunteer equivalent of executive director. One of three co-founders of the Lyon County chapter, she has also served as chapter president, secretary and treasurer.

What is the purpose of Mothers Against Drunk Driving?

The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.

Who are members of MADD; can anyone join?

Membership to MADD is open to everyone. We have mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents and teenagers. All we ask of members is they support our mission statement. All are welcome, but the great majority of our members have been drafted into membership by a tragedy caused by a drunk driver. Many members are innocent victims of drunk-driving crashes or surviving family members.

MADD no longer has annual dues, they ask for contributions. Why?

MADD membership has always been free to victims, and the idea was that we should not exclude members because of ability to pay. We do, however, ask for donations of any amount from all members. We are all volunteers with MADD in Nevada, so all donations are used for programs, victim services, etc., with none going to salaries.

Which age group is most affected by drunk driving?

Every age group is affected by drunk driving. Motor vehicle crashes (with more than 40 percent alcohol-related) are the major cause of death for every age from 1 to 34. Every group of drivers has drunk drivers among them, and every economic, racial, religious and age group has innocent victims among them. However, young adult males between the ages of 21-34 frequently have higher rates of drunk-driving arrests because of their predisposition to risky behaviors.

How can the public help MADD?

Most of the population knows drunk driving is no longer socially acceptable behavior. More than 20 years of awareness has made that change in our societal norms.

But we still need help getting our message out to those who continue to choose to drink and drive. And we really need the public, including parents, school officials, elected officials, the faith community and community groups, to join us in sending a clear, consistent NO USE message to everyone under 21.

Underage drinking is illegal, unhealthy and can be deadly. It is NOT a "rite of passage" or something all teens do. We have found that more than 75 percent of the convicted drunk drivers in rural Northern Nevada started out as underage drinkers, so the two crimes are closely related.

How does MADD educate young adults on the consequences of driving drunk?

Unfortunately, most of the education to young adults comes after the DUI is committed and they are sentenced by the courts to attend our Victim Impact Panel. We have educational programs available at no charge for students of all ages, K through college, but we have many challenges getting those programs into the schools and to the students. We are also available to speak with community groups and do so by request. We host information tables at many community events across Northern Nevada.

Our message is very simple: Over 21 - If you drink, don't drive. Under 21 - NO DRINKING. Everyone - never get in the car with a drunk driver.

Another safety focus of our group is encouraging everyone to wear their seat belts and have their children properly restrained in the age-appropriate car seat or booster seat. Seat belts are always your best defense against a drunk driver.

Where are local chapters; when do they meet; what are contact numbers?

We welcome all members and do have quarterly meetings. For information on membership, meetings, programs, etc., call us at 246-7522 or from outlying areas at (888) 293-6233 or visit our national Web site at www.madd.org.