After researching activism for a class project, one student became inspired to create a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) club at Binghamton University.

Alexis Sigman, a senior majoring in English, is undertaking this effort as an extension of an assignment for her rhetoric class, where she had to research a topic about which she was passionate.

‘I have a history of alcoholism in my family and I know victims of drunk driving accidents, so instead of picking an easy topic, I chose something more in-depth and was not seen a lot at Binghamton,’ Sigman said. ‘There really is no other club like this on campus.’

MADD is a non-profit organization that seeks to stop drunk driving and underage drinking, support those affected by drunk driving and push for stricter alcohol laws. MADD has been advocating for victims through education and maintaining alcohol laws across the United States since 1980.

Their work has kept the drinking age at 21, initiated taxes on beer and pushed for more random checkpoints on roads to check for drivers under the influence and the installation of breath alcohol ignition interlock devices in all new cars.

Sigman was familiar with MADD’s goals and activism, so it made her decision easy. After researching and contacting MADD, Sigman decided to take this project even further.

‘I really wanted to do everything I could to help the cause and I thought this was the best way to incorporate everyone and make a difference,’ Sigman said about deciding to charter the club.

The goal of Sigman’s chapter of MADD is to bring together people who are victims or know victims of drunk driving, people who have driven under the influence and anyone else who would like to volunteer for MADD, as well as spread awareness of driving under the influence.

‘I want people who have dealt with alcoholism or drunk driving to have an outlet and be able to talk to other people who know what they are going through,’ Sigman said.

Sigman would also be interested in allowing students to take part in MADD’s movements, including marches and rallies.

‘I know it’s fun to go Downtown and drink and go out with friends, but maybe one night people could volunteer, help spread awareness and maybe save a life,’ Sigman said. ‘Maybe if people see the statistics, they’ll want to help.’

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of motor vehicle fatalities for male drivers aged 18 to 34 with blood alcohol concentrations of .08 or higher was 4,996.

Michele Fonda, the senior program coordinator for MADD New York State, emphasized the importance of Sigman’s efforts.

‘MADD has done clubs like this on college campuses for years. The main thing is to raise awareness about not only underage drinking but responsible drinking,’ Fonda said. ‘Our goal is to educate students about the consistent message: do not overindulge and plan ahead.’

According to www.MADD.org, this year one person will die in an alcohol-related car crash every 45 minutes. They approximate that their efforts will save a victim every 10 minutes, and since 1980 they estimate that they have saved 300,000 people.

‘I want people to think before they act and I think this will spread the information and drive behind MADD,’ Sigman said.

Sigman is in the process of chartering the club with the Student Association and found out another student is starting to charter SADD, Students Against Destructive Decisions. The idea is for both clubs to merge and work toward the same goal.

Anyone interested in finding out more about MADD and drunk driving is encouraged to go to www.MADD.org or call the MADD hotline at (800) 245-6233. Information about MADD meetings will be posted on flyers and announcements on B-Line.