A Guide to Developing a Community-Based Designated Driver Program

NHTSA · 1994 · ROSA P / United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This 1994 guide, published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), addresses the development and implementation of community-wide Designated Driver Programs (DDPs) to reduce alcohol-impaired driving. The document was motivated by the need to provide state traffic safety organizations, local governments, and industry associations with a comprehensive framework for establishing DDPs that operate in both public drinking establishments and private settings. It draws on data from a field test conducted in Haverhill, Massachusetts, as well as previous NHTSA studies and literature reviews, aiming to refine existing programs and encourage broader community adoption. The guide outlines a multi-step methodology for creating a DDP, emphasizing a community-wide and comprehensive approach. It advises organizers to form a broad-based coalition involving local government, law enforcement, health agencies, and business leaders to lend credibility and coordinate efforts with other traffic safety initiatives, such as enforcement campaigns and server training. The text details specific operational procedures, including staffing requirements—suggesting a part-time coordinator for startup phases—and marketing strategies to recruit drinking establishments and private organizations. It provides instructions for training staff to identify designated drivers, offer incentives such as free non-alcoholic beverages, and monitor compliance. Additionally, it offers guidance on publicizing the program through media conferences and targeted messages that appeal to both drinkers and non-drinkers. Key findings and recommendations include the advantages of community-wide programs over isolated efforts, citing economies of scale, increased public exposure, and reduced confusion among users. The guide identifies that DDPs are appealing because they require minimal behavioral change, are low-cost for establishments, and may offer legal liability protection for hosts and servers. It specifies that designated drivers must arrive sober, abstain completely from alcohol, and identify themselves before service begins. The text also highlights the importance of integrating DDPs with "Safe Ride" programs to assist intoxicated individuals who lack a designated driver, ensuring a comprehensive safety net. The significance of this guide lies in its provision of a practical, evidence-based toolkit for reducing impaired driving through community mobilization. By standardizing the development of DDPs, it aims to increase the consistency and effectiveness of these programs across different jurisdictions. The guide underscores that while DDPs are a valuable tool, they are most effective when part of a broader strategy that includes enforcement, education, and alternative transportation options, thereby addressing the multifaceted nature of alcohol-related traffic safety issues.

Key finding

The document is an administrative guide and lacks completed research results or empirical findings.

Methodology

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• dui enforcement

Information type

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• Applied Guidance: countermeasure evaluation