How
to Implement a Community-Based Designated Driver Program
Program Planning
Operations
Partnerships
Program Marketing
Evaluation
Tips
for Specific Groups
Community
Organizations
Employers
Educators/College
Groups
Criminal Justice
Medical
and Health Care Community
Hospitality
Industry and Retailers
Armed Forces
Publicity
and Promotion
Working with
the Media
Calendar of
Year Round Ideas
Media Q&A
Resources
Partners and
Resources
Publications
EMPLOYERS
The cost of traffic-related crashes to employers is an estimated $55 billion each year in direct costs, lost time and workers' compensation. Research shows that alcohol is a contributing factor in 39 percent of all work-related traffic crashes.
Employers can reduce these costs by supporting employees' use of Designated Drivers programs at all company functions where alcohol is served. If alcohol is served at office parties or other social events, employers can help control the amounts consumed and prevent employees from driving impaired by:
- Establishing,
publicizing and enforcing company policies about alcohol and drug use.
- Promoting the
use of Designated Drivers via e-mail or on company event invitations.
- Always serving
food with alcohol.
- Distributing free
taxi passes or allowing an employee to expense it so that they can get
a safe ride home after the party and back to work the next day in a
cab.
- Limiting the number
of alcoholic beverages employees consume by giving each employee a fixed
number of drink tickets.
- Designating someone
to monitor employee drinking and assist anyone who is impaired and needs
transportation.
- Never serving
alcohol to anyone under 21.
- Serving non-alcoholic
cocktails as an alternative.
- Awarding small
prizes such as certificates of appreciation to those participating as
Designated Drivers.
- Having the company
president send an all-staff memo thanking Designated Drivers by name.
- Hosting brown-bag
luncheons featuring local law enforcement, prosecuters or judges, victims,
and health care practitioners to inform and educate employees on impaired
driving consequences and laws.
- Placing Designated
Driver messages into paycheck envelopes.
- Highlighting the
Designated Driver message in company newsletters.
- Providing support
or funding to local law enforcement or community groups that organize
Designated Driver programs.
- Writing a letter
to the editor of a local paper discussing what the company is doing
to stop impaired driving.
- Starting a company-sponsored
Designated Driver program.
- Placing Designated
Driver materials in kitchens, snack rooms, copy rooms and restrooms.
- Distributing materials
that discuss how drugs even prescription and over-the-counter medications
– and alcohol can impair driving.
By initiating the Designated Driver philosophy in the workplace and taking an active role in combating impaired driving, employers can help save lives.
