This paper discusses the development of the designated driver concept following an extensive publicity campaign in 1988. The survey described examined the extent to which weekend, nighttime drivers reported being designated drivers in the Third National Roadside Survey carried out in the autumn of 1996 and compares the blood alcohol levels of these drivers to those who do not claim to have been designated drivers. Brief details are given of the results of earlier surveys carried out in 1991, 93 and 95. The 1996 survey revealed a large percentage of designated drivers. Most were women and designated drivers occurred most frequently in the 21-24 age group.
Abstract