HISTORY OF MADD IN PENNSYLVANIA

The National MADD organization began in California in early 1980. In September of 1980, 20-year old Joe Tursi was driving near Philadelphia when a truck, operated by a drunk driver, crossed over the center line and plummeted into his windshield crushing him. Joe sustained massive head injuries and lived on life support for close to a week before he succumbed to irreversible brain damage and trauma that claimed his life.

Convicted of homicide by vehicle, the truck driver received a sentence of 4 years probation and a $151 fine for his reckless behavior. Confronted with the violent death of her son and outraged by the "slap on the wrist" delivered by the judicial system, Marie Tursi of Horsham turned her anger into action and established the first MADD affiliate chapter in Pennsylvania. As a result of her efforts, concerned citizens throughout the state worked with Marie to develop a network of affiliates that became active in the uphill struggle to end drunk driving and provide support to its many victims. Later that year the Greater Pittsburgh Area Affiliate was formed.

Today, MADD has three Affiliate Offices in Pittsburgh, Reading and Conshohocken with many county coordinators and trained advocates within each Affiliate area. The State Office is located in Harrisburg. Crash victims throughout the commonwealth are able to receive MADD's support and compassion through our network of caring.