MADD Celebrates Jonathan Morrison's Appointment as NHTSA Administrator to Combat Impaired Driving

MADD Congratulates Jonathan Morrison on His NHTSA Appointment

In a significant development for road safety, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has expressed its support for Jonathan Morrison, who has recently been confirmed as the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). MADD's commendation comes at a crucial juncture as the nation grapples with escalating numbers of deaths related to alcohol-impaired driving, which have exceeded 12,000 in 2023 alone.

MADD's CEO, Stacey D. Stewart, highlighted Morrison's dedication to the victims and families affected by impaired driving. "His participation in MADD's 45th Anniversary Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., demonstrated his commitment to understanding the personal stories of those impacted by this issue. Listening to these narratives is vital for any effective leadership," Stewart noted.

Morrison’s role as Administrator of the NHTSA fills an essential gap in consistent leadership for the agency, which is responsible for promoting vehicle safety standards. One of the key initiatives under his purview is the implementation of the HALT Drunk Driving Law. This landmark legislation, passed in 2021, mandates that the U.S. Department of Transportation formulate rules that require advanced technology aimed at preventing impaired driving in all new vehicles. Once fully enacted, this law is projected to save over 10,000 lives each year and prevent countless injuries, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

"We have the resources and technology at our disposal to eliminate impaired driving completely. Now, we need strong regulatory actions coupled with committed leadership from the auto industry to turn this vision into a reality," added Stewart. Looking forward, MADD anticipates collaborative efforts with Administrator Morrison and NHTSA to implement strategies that aim to eliminate impaired driving, a crime that is entirely preventable.

Moreover, MADD expressed gratitude to NHTSA’s Chief Counsel, Peter Simshauser, for his exemplary interim guidance. His leadership has been instrumental in revitalizing the agency’s collaboration with law enforcement for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) countermeasures.

About Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

Founded in 1980, MADD is a national nonprofit organization committed to ending impaired driving. Over the years, MADD has played a significant role in reducing drunk driving fatalities in the United States by more than 40%. This impact has led to the preservation of nearly 500,000 lives and support for almost one million victims and survivors of impaired driving incidents. MADD diligently works toward preventive measures targeting young adults and advocates for tougher laws and penalties to maintain road safety. The organization also manages support services for victims and survivors without any charges through their dedicated victim advocacy programs and a 24-hour helpline (1-877-MADD-HELP). For further details or to contribute, visit MADD'S website and engage with them on various social media platforms.