“I joined MADD within weeks of my daughter Patty’s death with the thought I was going to stop drunk driving, sadly over 400,000 have died and millions injured by drunk driving since I began my activism in MADD. I fought for over 30 years as part of MADD’s most noted history....MADD Chapters in all 50 states, passage of Zero Tolerance for Underage Drinking and lowering the BAC to .08. I honestly thought that this equation would end drunk driving, however, I still saw death and injury on our roadways as the result of drunk driving. Our greatest accomplishment was the passage of .08 and it took eight years to pass. When I was informed there was something MADD could do that would literally end drunk driving, though excited, I could only think, ‘I don’t think I have eight years of fight left in me! I remember our first Zoom call and seeing all of those faces of relatively new victims. We became friends through our tragedy and my heart ached every time I heard a new victim’s story. I saw the fire in each of them seeking change and believing this incredible group of warriors would succeed. They were fearless and would talk to any of our elected officials to convince them that the RIDE and HALT ACTS needed their support. My pessimistic side kept kicking in because I still had the ‘scars’ from advocating for .08, but the war room’s enthusiasm was contagious and made me want to do all I could to help convince all of those I needed to that this legislation would end drunk driving. I am still in awe over Alex, Ken and Rana who were the faces of MADD, but took each one of us with them on their journey as we supported them in everything they did. What an incredible moment it was, especially for those of us who have been a part of MADD for 20-plus years, to see the signing of the bill containing the lifesaving measures. Just as MADD had in the past, we took them by surprise with our group of warriors and once again proved that given the goal of saving lives there is nothing a group of MADD Victims cannot accomplish. Together we will make a difference! MADD continues to be a group of innovative activists and I could not be more proud of this team.” - Karolyn Nunnallee, MADD National President of MADD from 1998-1999. Her 10-year-old daughter Patty died on May 14, 1988 in the Carrollton, KY bus crash, the deadliest drunk driving crash in U.S. history. “Being a part of the war room and such an amazing group helped me get through many dark days. Nothing in the world can change what happened to any of us, nothing will bring back our loved ones. This group, this effort gave me a purpose. Working together and knowing we can end impaired driving and prevent other families from experiencing this tragedy has been an honor. The HALT Act honors Austin and ALL victims and I am so grateful to be a part of it.” - Sheila Lockwood, whose 23-year-old son Austin was killed by a drunk driver on June 10, 2018.
Karolyn Nunnallee, Past MADD National President
Patty (Patricia) Nunnallee, daughter of Karolyn Nunnallee
Sheila Lockwood with her son, Austin Lockwood
8 MADDvocate ®
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