The Designated Driver operates by a very simple concept: One member of a group of two or more pledges to drink only non-alcoholic beverages, and provides safe and sober transportation home for companions. The agreement should be ironclad and put into use even if your friends have only one or two drinks.
The Designated Driver is not a social excuse for other occupants of a vehicle to use alcohol irresponsibly or excessively.
Becoming a Designated Driver is the only way people can be assured that there is always a driver behind the wheel of a vehicle with a 0.00 BAC; that is, NO alcohol contained in the blood of the driver.
We're especially vulnerable during holidays. Just as office parties, family gatherings, and friendly get-togethers go hand-in-hand with the annual festivities, so often alcohol consumption is an integral part of these festivities. But don't be complacent - drinking and driving is unacceptable at any time of the year!
Here are some other helpful designated driver tips:
If all the motorists on the road were designated drivers, there would be far fewer serious accidents. But that may not be realistic. So, watch out for the other guy! Protect yourself and your passengers from impaired drivers by driving defensively. For example, look out for cars that appear to be weaving or acting "funny" and keep your distance. When stopping at traffic lights, watch behind you for cars that seem to be approaching very fast. Oncoming cars that don't dim their high beams may signal an impaired driver...give him plenty of room for erratic steering or failure to brake. And keep off certain roads at certain hours - you'll find more impaired drivers on the road around bar-closing time and a few hours thereafter.