SADD

Similar to RID and MADD, SADD is another organization that is against drunk driving, but is specifically targeted towards students. SADD used to stand for Students Against Drunk Drivers, but in 1997, the membership approved a change in SADD’s name to Students Against Destructive Decisions. This new name more appropriately highlights SADD’s goal of focusing on other areas that affect the lives of young people such as drug use, smoking, and blood-alcohol poisoning. SADD was founded by hockey coach Robert Anastas and 15 of his players after two players on the team died in alcohol related accidents less than a week apart. The focus of the group is to educate young people about the dangers of drinking and driving and of riding with someone who has been drinking.

In my opinion, one of the best parts of SADD is their Contract for Life. The Contract for Life is a contracted that was formed by SADD with the intent of being signed by a “young person” and a parent or other caring adult. The young person who signs the contract promises to do everything in their power to avoid making decisions that jeopardize their health or safety. They vow to recognize the dangers of alcohol and drugs and to pledge to use their best effort to remain free from alcohol and drugs. Lastly, the young person promises to never drive under the influence, to ride with an impaired driver, and to call their parents if a situation were to arise in which help was needed. The parent signs the contract promising to talk to the young person about the decisions that they will be presented with and ways in which they can remedy these tough situations. Also, the parent vows to provide safe, sober transportation for their child if there was ever a situation in which the child was in danger and that this situation would not be discussed until a later date.

This is an amazing organization because I think that it really targets students very well. Instead of simply stating that drinking is bad and that it shouldn’t be done, SADD provides ways, such s the Contract for Life, for students to have productive conversations with their loved ones and to understands the risks and consequences of drinking alcohol and taking drugs.

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