Citation

Nielson AL, Watson BC. J. Australas. Coll. Road Saf. 2009; 20(2): 32-37.

Affiliation

Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q), School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Beams Rd, Carseldine, QLD, 4034

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Australasian College of Road Safety)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Designated driver programs aim to reduce alcohol related crashes by encouraging and facilitating a safe means of transport for those who have been drinking and by influencing attitudes and knowledge. This review discusses the use and effectiveness of designated driver programs in preventing drink driving and ultimately reducing alcohol related road trauma. The limitations of studies examining designated driver programs and recommendations for further research are also discussed. The available evidence suggests that while designated driver campaigns can successfully increase the awareness and use of designated drivers, it is less clear whether these programs lead to a reduction in drink driving and/or alcohol related crashes. Differences in the way that designated driver programs have historically been implemented may account for the inconsistent evidence for their effectiveness in reducing drink driving. There are also a variety of methodological problems relating to the evaluation of designated driver programs which need to be addressed by future research.