The Importance of Designated Drivers

The Importance of Designated Drivers

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Designated drivers help to save lives on the road.

A person dies from an alcohol-related traffic incident every 48 minutes. That statistic is just one of the many reasons having a designated driver (DD), if you are planning on having a few cocktails, is so important.

Not only could driving while intoxicated cost you your life, but it could also cost you jail time, fines, your license, and embarrassment. Thanks to the efforts of the designated driving movement that started in the 1980s, there have been countless lives saved.

After the notion of a designated driver started gaining popularity in the 1980s, there was a dramatic decline of almost 24 percent of drunk driving fatalities in just six years. Six years after the campaign, drunk driving fatalities hit an all-time low with an overall 30 percent decrease. These stunning numbers just go to prove how vital designated drivers are to saving lives.

Before you head out this weekend, keep these tips in mind to help you find a DD.

  • Ask someone to be a DD if they are a safe driver. You should also ensure that they have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance.
  • Make sure your designated driver is reliable and will be able to abstain from drinking if they are coming out with you. If someone is hesitant about staying sober, they may not be your best choice for a DD.
  • If your designated driver is not going out with you, make sure they will be available to pick you up when needed. Plan ahead for the night and make sure you will be able to reach your DD when it is time to go home.

Not only will having a designated driver help to keep you safe on the roads, but it will also help you avoid serious auto insurance rate hikes after a DUI. Contact Hoffman Brown Company in Sherman Oaks, California for all of your car insurance coverage needs.