Designated Driver Program
December 27, 2005

New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate and bring in the new year with open arms. Although it is a joyous occasion, unfortunately many families realize their worst nightmare as a result of a careless accident. On New Year’s Eve in 2002, there were 301 alcohol related traffic fatalities. Too often, drinking and driving become a part of New Year’s Eve festivities. By simply utilizing a designated driver program, the streets will be safer and the chance of waking up on January 1 in your bed safe at home will be greatly increased. Therefore, REMSA would like to share the following important information about designated driver programs:

WHY ARE DESIGNATED DRIVER PROGRAMS THE ANSWER?

Designated Drivers are among the more effective prevention measures because many of the risks related to impaired driving are removed. Nine out of 10 Americans who participate in social events where alcohol is served feel that people should use Designated Drivers.

Designated driver efforts are simple to conduct and require as few as two people to operate. The only requirement is that people plan ahead and either select one person to refrain from drinking alcohol or arrange for a safe ride home. Designating a sober driver in situations when alcohol is present is a safeguard that should always be practiced.
Designated Driver programs are necessary to convey these impaired driver prevention messages to the community, and also to inform the community that there are a number of ways in which they can encourage safe and sober driving practices. Designating a driver is the most responsible act an individual or group of individuals can make, and remember, the Designated Driver is not the person who's the most sober. It's a sound decision made before drinking begins.

There are many benefits to conducting Designated Driver programs. They can have positive effects on people who do not regularly use a Designated Driver or know how to locate a safe ride. Otherwise Non-informed individuals who are exposed to the program information and who see others participate in the program may be motivated to make more of an effort to not drive after drinking.

To set up a media interview with a REMSA representative to learn more about this important program, please call Scott Walquist at 775.686.2116. REMSA is a private, not-for-profit emergency medical services system serving northern Nevada. REMSA’s state-of-the-art 9-1-1 dispatch communications center is fully accredited, as are all emergency medical transport services of the company. REMSA provides quality patient care with no taxpayer support or other subsidies.

450 Edison Way Reno, Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax (775)858-5720