By Staff
This secret shouldn't be kept
Though many people know MADD stands for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the services of the group is still too much of a secret.
When an accident has alcohol or drugs as its cause, MADD is there to help.
The organization considers these crashes often to be as deliberate as a person who fires a gun at innocent people.
We believe a drunk driver behind the wheel is similar to a mentally impaired person holding a lethal weapon.
The disaster that too often follows can be prevented.
MADD is pro-active and has continued to work for legislation which will keep repeat offenders behind bars.
Getting a second or third chance behind the wheel can take away the chance of a full life for a victim.
People from all walks of life have become active participants and some are victim advocates. These MADD representatives, some of whom have gone through the experience themselves, work with victims after a crash.
To receive services from MADD, the advocates must be asked to help.
Following an accident involving drugs or alcohol, MADD sends a "we care" card which includes the name and phone number of an advocate in the area.
MADD respects the victim's family and waits a week following the funeral of a victim killed in such a crash to send the card. Still, if help is requested immediately, MADD will respond.
Sometimes victims and families would like assistance with court proceedings, having someone with them to sit in court.
MADD advocates and assists with helping the families learn courtroom behavior and prepare for what might happen during a trial.
Anyone can call MADD for help when they or a loved one is a victim of an impaired driver. In this area call Jackolyn Brundige, a regional victim advocate for southwest Michigan, at (269) 948-4060, or the MADD hotline: (800) 323-6233.
Brundige and other MADD advocates know survivors feel the impact long after the photo of the crash has yellowed on the newspaper clipping.
Those looking for legal, emotional and medical assistance only have to call.