How
to Implement a Community-Based Designated Driver Program
Program Planning
Operations
Partnerships
Program Marketing
Evaluation
Tips
for Specific Groups
Community
Organizations
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Criminal Justice
Medical
and Health Care Community
Hospitality
Industry and Retailers
Armed Forces
Publicity
and Promotion
Working with
the Media
Calendar of
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Media Q&A
Resources
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CRIMINAL JUSTICE
The criminal justice system
is a vital part of your community's Designated Driver program. Research shows
that public education, combined with highly visible law enforcement, helps
people change their behavior. Prosecutors and judges are equally important,
as they are the individuals responsible for trying the impaired driving cases,
and handing down penalties, fines and jail sentences.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
High visibility enforcement combined with public education is a powerful force in the fight against impaired driving. Law enforcement should have a strong role in community-based Designated Driver programs. Here's how law enforcement can become more involved:
- Establish partnerships
with existing organizations to assist in ongoing public outreach programs.
- Promote the benefits
of Designated Driver programs to community organizations such as Lions
Club, U.S. Jaycees or the American Legion.
- Establish a visible
presence in areas that have a high density of establishments that serve
alcohol.
- Distribute fliers
at community events or enforcement activities.
- Volunteer to speak
to community groups, church groups or neighborhood gatherings.
- Conduct workshops
with community leaders about the effects and consequences of impaired
driving.
PROSECUTORS AND JUDGES
Prosecutors and judges can play a valuable role in spreading impaired driving messages, and helping to promote a community's Designated Driver campaign. They understand the legal consequences of impaired driving – and can serve as good sources of information and support when it comes to planning Designated Driver programs. Here are some ideas on how they can help:
- Share stories
of true-to-life incidents that show the negative consequences of impaired
driving, as well as demonstrate the need for sober drivers.
- Conduct tours
of the jail where impaired drivers are detained.
- Help illustrate
the difference between making good and bad choices, highlighting how
making the simple choice to designate a sober driver can prevent criminal
behavior and/or tragedy.
- Actively prosecute
impaired driving offenses.
- Discuss liability
issues for hosts who allow impaired guests to drive home.
- Serve as legal
counsel or advisor to a Designated Driver program.
Prosecutors and judges
can also be effective spokespersons for Designated Driver programs. Their
experiences with impaired driving cases makes them natural candidates
to encourage the use of Designated Drivers. Their knowledge of the subject,
and the respect they hold within a community, allow prosecutors and judges
to support Designated Driver programs by:
- Promoting Designated
Drivers through media interviews.
- Appearing in television
and radio PSAs promoting Designated Driver programs and impaired driving
prevention.
By securing the support of local prosecutors and judges in advance, you can help ensure that they are prepared for any increases in impaired driving cases that may result from increased enforcement. They should be made aware of the issues and shown the statistics on prevention, as well as encouraged to participate in a sobriety checkpoint, saturation patrol or other enforcement activity.
OPERATION C.A.R.E. (COMBINED ACCIDENT REDUCTION EFFORT)
Operation C.A.R.E. is collaboration between 49 State Police agencies designed to combat impaired driving through law enforcement and prevention messages. Together, the agencies operate nationwide sobriety checkpoint and saturation patrol mobilizations in July and December, and are responsible for implementing the Holiday Lifesavers Weekend activities. For more information, please visit www.careofnorthamerica.org
