Doris Aiken, 90 passed away at her home following a hospitalization. Doris will be remembered for being a trailblazing pioneer and activist, who was the forerunner in getting society to treat drunken driving seriously as a matter of life and death in this country.
She was born in 1926 to Adam Hastings Crouthamel and Eva Brown Crouthamel in Souderton, PA. She graduated from Souderton High School in 1944, and then she worked for an insurance company in Philadelphia for seven years. She moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA where she graduated in with a BA in sociology. While attending UCLA, she met the love of her life, William Aiken Sr. and on November 4, 1956 they married in Santa Monica, CA.
Doris got her start in activism as trainer of job skills for poor minority women working for the legendary former Congresswoman, Barbara Jordan in Houston, TX. She continued to pursue her interest in social issues working for the charity Save the Children in Westport, CT. In 1972, she moved to Niskayuna and ran as a Democrat for the 107th Assembly District seat and lost in November of 1974.
While Doris was hosting a TV show for at Channel 6 WRGB, she learned of a local case where a teenaged brother and sister were killed by a drunken driver. This event inspired her to start RID (Remove Intoxicated Drivers in 1978. RID was the first anti-drunken driving organization in the nation. Through Doris’s appearances on Phil Donahue, 60 Minutes and the Today Show, RID quickly expanded to over a 160 chapters in 41 States.
In 1982, Doris successfully fought to pass the nation’s first law that prevented the common practice of DWI offenders’ plea bargaining out of alcohol charges. In 1984, she worked with Congressional Democrats and Republicans passing the nation’s 21 year old drinking age and later supported lowering the BAC limit from .10 to .08 in 2000.
Her success came from word of mouth before the age of the internet or social media. Her work won citizen Awards from Presidents Reagan and George H W Bush. In 1997 in Annecy, France, ICDATS (The International Council on Drugs, Alcohol and Traffic Safety) presented her with the Widmark Award, an international recognition of citizens who have achieved success in improving the areas concerning drugs, alcohol and traffic safety.
In 1987, Doris published a book, “The Media Game and how to play it”, a practical guide on crafting your message and how prepare to deal with the media. She later published her memoir “My Life as a Pit Bull: Collaring the Drunken Driver”. In 2008, UCLA recognized Doris with a Lifetime Community Service Award for her work with RID.
Doris was an inspiration to many, giving them a blueprint how to get involved in the issue of drunken driving. She never allowed disappointments or setbacks deter her focus of getting victims’ families justice. She was quick to praise others and give credit where credit was due. Early on in RID, she took on powerful entities such as the alcohol industry and the defense lawyers. Her criticism of alcohol advertising led to RID being banned by the national media, however, thousands were motivated to join RID as a result.
She was an excellent cook with a quick wit. An avid reader, she could engage in politics and culture with anyone. Her infectious smile lit up the room. She adored her 150 lb St. Bernard mascot, Gracie. She truly cared about people and fought vigorously to raise awareness on the importance of driving sober as well as the dangers of alcohol poisoning.
Few would have predicted that Doris who came from such humble beginnings would have such a profound impact on such a stubborn problem. Her tough tactics saved thousands of lives. She deserves a lot of credit for changing how society views drunk driving. No longer is it considered to be an accident. It’s rightfully viewed as a crime, thanks in large part to her committed efforts. Doris Aiken was someone who truly made a difference. She will be missed by many who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her children, Jane and William will continue RID’s legacy of making our roads and highways safer for everyone.
Doris was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Jean Stewart and husband, William Aiken Sr. who passed away in 2004. She is survived by her children, Jane, William and Raya Buckley (Tom), her grandchildren, John and Charlotte Buckley, her Brother Dale Crouthamel (Gladys) of Telford, PA along with many nieces and nephews.
The Aiken family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of doctors, nurses and techs at Ellis Hospital who made it possible for Doris to come home to be surrounded by friends and family in her final days. And a heart-felt appreciation to Jackie Donegan, who brought grace, compassion and comfort when it was, needed most.
The date for a memorial service will be announced in this Spring at the Unitarian Church on Wendell Avenue.