The effective use of designated driver programs involves having the designated member of the group refrain from consuming any alcohol to ensure that his or her drinking passengers arrive home safely. Past countermeasure initiatives have primarily been intended to prevent drinkers from operating a vehicle. The present data, however, indicate that drinking passengers don't necessarily make good decisions about choosing their driver. Future initiatives need to encourage the selection of a driver who will remain alcohol-free prior to any alcohol being consumed. It is also evident that driving is not the only activity that becomes unsafe after consuming alcohol.
Intoxicated pedestrians face increased risk of being struck and killed by a vehicle.
The public may be unaware of the dangers of walking along or crossing the roadway after consuming alcohol. Public information campaigns may be of considerable value in this area. This research was funded by the Drinking-Driving Countermeasures Office of the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General. Fatality data were obtained with the cooperation and assistance of the Office of Chief Coroner for Ontario and Ministry of Transportation. TIRF's Fatality Database is jointly sponsored by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators and Transport Canada.