Be the DD and Win! is a designated driver program launched in 2011 and it’s taken hold of the downtown Ventura and Thousand Oaks bar scene in an incredible way. The campaign includes the popular Prize Posse, a group of fun and exciting young people who take to the streets to reward Designated Drivers with prizes and swag, all the while delivering the message that it is cool to Be the DD.  For more information go to Be The DD.com

Project Safer strives to enhance safe and legal alcohol sales and service practices in an effort to reduce alcohol-related violence, injury, vehicle crashes, unlawful alcohol service, and underage access to alcohol. They believe that by identifying environmental conditions contributing to liabilities associated with alcohol sales and service, they can promote house policies and conditions linked to best practices for alcohol service to be consistently administered within the laws and guidelines established by State and local authorities. 

Drunk driving or drinking and driving is the act of operating a motor vehicle after having consumed alcohol (i.e. ethanol) or drugs to the degree that mental and motor skills are impaired.

According to MADD on average, one in three people will be involved in a drunk driving crash in their lifetime.  In 2010, 10,228 people died in drunk driving related crashes. That equals one every 52 minutes, and 345,000 were injured in drunk driving crashes. Almost every 90 seconds, a person is injured in a drunk driving crash. 90% of All Drunk Driving Happens After Drinking With Family, Friends, and Coworkers. There is almost always somebody around who could be part of the solution. Don't let drunk driving happen right in front of you.

What You Can Do

Give Clear Instructions – Give drivers simple, clear instructions not to consume alcohol and operate a motor vehicle. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the easiest way to say it is: “Over the Limit. Under Arrest.”  Before your friends and family out for the night, discuss the fact that if they will be consuming alcohol, designated driver and explain the consequences that come with drinking and driving.

Let Them Know You Are There – Sometimes people drive under the influence, because they are afraid they have no one to call or they feel that they are being a hassle. Don’t hesitate to let your friends and family know that you will be there to pick them up anytime, anywhere.

Be Informed and Be Active–Review the information on the websites mentioned above. Set rules for yourself and your household regarding drinking and driving. Tell friends, family, and organizations to which you belong, about the importance of driving sober. Take information to your children’s schools and ask that it be shared with students and parents.

For More Information

For more information about drinking and driving visit MADD.org. For Information about DUI laws and consequences visit californiaduiguide.com.

Be Smart. Be Safe.