Drunk driving, or driving under the influence, affects the lives of countless people every year. For drunk driving victims, the affects can be tragic and long-lasting. Although nothing and no one can turn back the clock and prevent a drunk driving accident from happening, there are a number of resources available to drunk driving victims to help cope with the effects of the accident. From a legal perspective, the prosecutor's office can help ensure that the drunk driver is held accountable for his or her actions as well as provide victim support services. In addition, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Alcoholics-Anonymous (Al-Anon/AA), as well as numerous other local, state, and national organizations may be able to help.
The local prosecutor's office should be the first stop for drunk driving victims. Many victims feel angry and/or helpless when his or her life has been affected by a drunk driver. By cooperating with the prosecution of the offender, victims can feel empowered. In addition to prosecuting the offender, many prosecutors offices also have a victim's services section that may help victims receive restitution for property damages as a result of the accident. The victim's services section may also be an excellent source of additional community-based resources for drunk driving victims.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is another well known, international resource for drunk driving victims. MADD is an organization dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of drunk driving as well as helping the victims of drunk drivers. The MADD organization has an entire section devoted to victim services, which may be able to direct a victim to local and/or national resources. In addition, MADD offers live, online chats for victims on a regular basis, which may allow a victim to gain support from other victims and provide another source for additional resources.
Counseling is another option for victims of drunk driving accidents. Many victims need to express their anger or grief in a safe and constructive manner. A victim of a drunk driving accident should seek counseling, either on an individual basis or through a local support group as soon as possible after the accident. If the local prosecutor's office or the local MADD chapter are not able to provide a victim with a list of counseling agencies, then an internet search or a call to the local chapter of Alcohol Anonymous may provide the required information.