MADD Endorses Erin Cox Punishment: Designated Driver Should Have Called An Adult

The story of Erin Cox went viral this week. Cox, a Massachusetts high school senior, was suspended from her school’s volleyball team and demoted from captain after driving home a drunk friend who called and asked for a ride.

Erin Cox has received support ever since the story broke and the Cox family filed a lawsuit against the school district (the court ruled it has no jurisdiction).

“I felt like going to get her was the right thing to do,” Erin told the Boston Herald.

Mother’s Against Drunk Driving feels Erin Cox’s punishment was also the right thing to do.

“Underage drinking is so very dangerous, that’s why MADD appreciates this school’s effort,” MADD President Jan Withers told Fox News. “I’m not there and I don’t know all of the details, but indeed, their efforts to prevent underage drinking through zero tolerance are admirable.”

Withers had praised Erin Cox in a blog post on MADD.org.

“Erin Cox was trying to make sure her friend got home safely, and for that I commend her.”

But:

“When involved in such a situation, MADD encourages teens to reach out to an adult for assistance.”

Comments on the blog were as scathing of Withers’ position as they were supportive of Erin Cox.

MADD has been renamed “Mothers Against Designated Drivers”. Jan, age does not make an adult. What Erin did was very responsible.

What do you think of Erin Cox’s actions? Is MADD right about Erin Cox? Should Erin Cox be punished or praised?