MADD is about committed spirits and determined volunteers. It is the embodiment of victim support and assistance. MADD is tangible proof that social attitudes can be radically changed.

Since MADD’s inception, alcohol-related traffic fatalities have declined 43 percent. Statistics indicate that in 1980, 55 percent (28,100) of the nation’s 51,091 traffic fatalities were alcohol-related. In 1999, alcohol-related fatalities represented 38 percent (15,794) of the nation’s 41,345 traffic fatalities, according to preliminary statistics. Due in large part to MADD’s efforts, more than an estimated 138,000 people are alive today and an untold number have received comfort, support and assistance in dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving crash.

Originally, MADD’s name stood for Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and its mission was "to mobilize victims and their allies to establish the public conviction that impaired driving is unacceptable and criminal in order to promote corresponding public policy, programs and personal accountability."

In 1984, MADD changed its name to Mothers Against Drunk Driving to reflect its mission to eliminate a crime and to focus on the act of drunk driving. Following the name change, MADD condensed its mission statement to "stop drunk driving and to support victims of this violent crime." Later, MADD updated its mission statement to reflect its long-running efforts to prevent underage drinking. The new mission, "to stop drunk driving, support victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking," reinforces MADD’s commitment to reach out to young people.