If You’re Going to Drink, Pick a Friend to Stay Sober

To help cut down on drunk driving during the holidays, the California Highway Patrol is urging motorists to participate in its Designated Driver Program.

Under the program, one or more people in a group are designated to stay sober and drive for friends who drink too much, said Fred Miller, CHP public information officer in San Diego.

The aim is to cut down on the 338 San Diego County drunk driving arrests made in December, 1985, Miller said, adding that December has always had a high number of arrests.

Despite increased public awareness of drunk driving, the CHP expects this December’s arrest figures to surpass last year’s.

Part of the reason, Miller said, is that some people who usually refrain from drinking will drink during the holidays.

The Designated Driver Program can be started by any individual, bar or restaurant.

A program has been in existence for about two years at the Sheraton Harbor Island East Hotel and is very popular with customers, said Dan McCarthy, hotel beverage manager.

If a party of two or more at the hotel stipulates that it has appointed a designated driver, that person is given non-alcoholic beverages free of charge, McCarthy said.

Miller said the CHP has been encouraging the public to support the Designated Driver Program during public awareness forums.