One of the most practical and effective ways of eradicating the menace of drink driving is to promote the Designated Driver concept whereby a group of would-be revellers agree that one of their number will forego alcohol entirely and undertake the driving duties, according to the Chief Executive of MEAS, Ms. Fionnuala Sheehan.
For the past three years, MEAS (Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society), has been promoting this practical but effective means of combating drink driving. Using the slogan “Drive Straight and Designate”, MEAS has also run high—profile media campaigns at holiday times to advance the concept.
This week, MEAS is again highlighting the simplicity and practicality of this practise in a statement of support for the new Road Safety Authority’s Summer anti-drink driving campaign, which is being launched today (Tues. May 30th )
Ms. Sheehan highlights the simplicity of the Designated Driver message. “Before heading out, whether it is to the pub, or to a friend’s house, at any time, everyone should plan how to get home safely. A simple, practical way is to designate one person as the non-drinking driver. And the job of that Designated Driver is to bring the rest of the party home safely”.
She said that “drink driving is an issue for people of all ages in this country, and while many young people make alternative transport arrangements after a night out, Garda research shows that a disproportionate number of young male drivers are killed on Irish roads, particularly between 10.00pm and 4.00am”.
The MEAS CEO also commended the recent decision of the Vintners Federation of Ireland to promote the Designated Driver programme on a year-round basis. “Country publicans, who are represented by the VFI, are particularly aware of the need to promote safe modes of transport for their patrons, and given the very limited availability of public transport – even taxis in many rural parts – the Designated Driver concept is particularly appropriate”, Ms. Sheehan said. The VFI had strongly supported this programme since its inception, she added.
While alcohol is estimated to be the primary cause of one third of all fatal road accidents, and every effort must be made to get the anti-drink driving message across to the general public, Ms. Sheehan also pointed out that drug-taking was also a major problem. “Getting an anti-drugs driving message across is just as important as an anti-drink driving one”, she said.
