"The idea of having a designated driver is a great one, but it's problematic for many people," said Dr. Peter Rothe, lead investigator from the University of Alberta's Centre for Injury Control and Research (ACICR). "The concept and practice of using designated drivers should be re-thought to make it more effective."
Rothe led a study into how young Alberta drivers -- between 18 and 29 -- used different drinking and driving interventions. He found that choosing a designated driver is not typically a "thought-through" strategy, according to an University news release.
Of the 1,000 young adults surveyed, some did use a rotating system for choosing a designated driver, but many did not. Almost 18 per cent of those surveyed said they chose the driver during or after they had been drinking.
Many admitted to allowing someone drunk to get behind the wheel rather than risk a physical confrontation. Rothe's study revealed several stories of violent confrontations which took place over who should and should not drive after a night of drinking.
Rothe said educating newly licensed drivers on how to deal with drunk drivers is one of the recommendations that came out of the focus groups. Others include encouraging communities to provide alternative and affordable transportation, particularly for rural areas.
Parents can play a more prominent role by talking to their children about driving drunk, offering rides for money and taxis and not "bailing out" their children if they crash a vehicle, Rothe said. Survey participants also recommended forming partnerships with city officials and major industries to offer alternative transportation.
