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
ARMED FORCES
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for military personnel. Impaired
34-year-olds, the age group most likely to be in an alcohol related crash.
Every branch of the armed forces has alcohol and substance abuse programs to assist those in need. Designated Driver programs should include local military communities in their planning and activities. You can work with military bases in your community by suggesting that they:
- Develop a competition
between units to reduce alcohol-related traffic incidents. Reward units
that reach certain milestones (six months, one year, etc.) and recognize
them at base events.
- Use base publications,
e-mail, bulletin boards, displays, signs and other communication channels
to encourage participation in Designated Driver programs, both on and off
base.
- Develop talking points
for the base Commander or public affairs officers who may have the opportunity
to talk to the media.
- Contribute a military
vehicle for local Lights On For Life Day parades or displays.
- Contribute guest editorials
or columns to local newspapers describing the installations efforts to reduce
impaired driving and contribute to the communitys efforts.
- Hold 3D Prevention
Month activities at on-base schools, clubs and exchanges.
- Invite speakers from
the local community (law enforcement, emergency room doctors and nurses,
victims) to participate in public information and education efforts.
- Place the You Drink
& Drive. You Lose. and the Friends Dont Let Friends Drive Drunk
campaign logos or messages on leave passes.
- Establish a partnership
with a local taxi service to provide Taxi Cards to all base personnel. In
the event of impairment, a taxi will give them a ride home. The person using
the card would then be required to reimburse the unit within 15 days.
- Make sure each soldier
has been given the bases alcohol and drug policy, as well as any information
on Designated Driver programs.
- Remind personnel about
base policies concerning impaired driving.
- Establish a no questions
asked penalty free program to encourage base personnel to use designated
drivers.
- Establish a partnership with base groups such as the medical community, emergency medical service providers, military police, clergy and officers.
