Alabama Mothers Against Drunk Driving received a $27,645 grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to aid victims of drunken drivers in Alabama.
"We're just excited that we have received funding to keep our services at no charge to victims," said Peggy Batey, executive director for Alabama MADD.
An estimated 11,773 people died in vehicle crashes involving intoxicated drivers in 2008, according to MADD's Web site.
That represents 31.6 percent of all driving-related fatalities over that period.
"(The grant) is strictly used to provide services at no cost to victims of drunk driving crashes," Batey said.
More specifically, the funds will go to services such as payment for parole hearings, access to important resources, travel for MADD representatives and the organizations 24-hour hotline, 1-877-MADD-HELP.
"Victims of drunken drivers and the families of victims often face a long and hard recovery," Gov. Bob Riley said in a press release. "I commend MADD for offering programs that guide victims and help families deal with tragic circumstances."
Funds for the grant were made accessible by the U.S. Department of Justice and were administered by ADECA, according to a press release.
The Traffic Safety Division of ADECA offers victim assistance and traffic safety programs, said Mike Presley, ADECA spokesman.
ADECA also awards grants to non-profit organizations within Alabama.
Alabama drunken driving fatalities totaled 371 in 2007. That number dropped to 315 in 2008, Batey said.
"We are really excited the numbers are going down, and we feel like this is due to the number of law enforcement on highways," Batey said.
The non-profit organization has been providing service to victims of drunken driving, supporting law enforcement, as well as increasing public awareness of the dangers of driving while intoxicated since 1980.
Since the creation of MADD in 1980, yearly alcohol-involved traffic fatalities have decreased approximately 50 percent, according to the MADD Web site.
In 1980, yearly alcohol-related fatalities totaled more than 30,000. However, currently yearly fatalities related to alcohol are less than 15,500.
MADD will contribute $6,911 to the grant.
Presley said ADECA generally asks the recipient to make a comparable donation to the cause in addition to the grant money.
"Anything we can do to help victims of drunken driving accidents is centainly a good thing," Presley said.
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