Everyone needs a designated driver at some point. It’s one of the most reliable, safe, and affordable ways to get home at the end of the night. While you and your group of friends may take turns being the sober driver of the evening, a designated driver service allows you to let loose without the stress of arranging transportation. And it’s growing in popularity. Firstly, it allows you to bring your own car to the event. Secondly, you will have a professional driver to bring both you and your vehicle home when you’re ready. So, say goodbye to Uber surge prices and hard-to-hail taxi cabs; now, you can ride in the comfort of your own vehicle both ways to the party.
But before you book your designated driver service, why not learn how this concept came about? The term “designated driver” has become a popular turn of phrase, but where did it come from? Let’s jump into it…
Designated Driver Service: The Origin Story
The term “designated driver” (commonly referred to as DD), refers to one person remaining sober so that their friends, family, etc. can drink alcoholic beverages or use legal recreational drugs, and not get behind the wheel. Therefore, the DD is responsible for driving their party safely home – whilst 100% sober. The concept of having a designated driver was originally brought about in Scandinavia. Beginning in the 1920s, assigning a DD was developed over several decades, leading to a formalized designated driver program in the 1980s. This is when it started to sweep through many other countries around the world.
How the Designated Driver Service Came to Canada
As the fatality rates due to drunk driving continued to skyrocket throughout Canada, change was needed. Enter: The Canadian Club Designated Driver Program. Introduced in 1986 by Hiram Walker and Sons, the program was widely supported by the police, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and the general public.
It was further popularized in the United States by the Harvard Alcohol Project in 1988. This sparked a large, nationwide campaign to prevent injuries and fatalities caused by drunk driving. From being referenced in popular TV programs such as L.A. Law and Cheers, to being featured in public service announcements, to President Bill Clinton’s personal endorsement, “designated driver” became not only a common phrase, but a social movement.
The Drawbacks of Assigning a Designated Driver
Despite the widespread social campaign, this solution to drunk driving only works if people use it correctly. Unfortunately, many groups fail to properly plan, rendering the process ineffective. Whether it’s failure to assign a DD beforehand, not assigning the right number of DDs in relation to the number of drinkers, or everyone arriving in separate vehicles, there are many complications hindering the effectiveness of the program. On top of it all, the biggest drawback tends to be the reliability of the DD. You can plan to a T, but if your DD acts irresponsibly, your safe route home is no longer an option.
That’s why hiring a professional designated driver service is the most reliable and effective solution to drunk driving. Your group can engage in the intoxicated fun of a Friday night, without any worry about how they’ll get home. Simply book our designated driver service for your occasion, and have you, your party, and your vehicle delivered home safely.