A Toast to RADD California Designated Drivers

We often raise our glasses in celebration of special events or those special people in our lives. Of course, we realize the irony in toasting a designated driver for all of their hard work keeping drunk drivers off of the roads. That doesn’t mean they don’t get the same kind of applause. Even with recent changes in the state law, California designated drivers deserve an even bigger celebration for the role they play in street safety.

Without California designated drivers, there are more drunk drivers on the road. A drunk driver faces California DUI charges in court, as well as administrative penalties. Right now, that means that even a DUI offender with a lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent is headed straight for:

• Court costs, fines and fees related to a driver’s license suspension.
• The cost of substance abuse evaluation and/or treatment.
• Community service.
• Ignition interlock device (mandatory in four counties through 2017; the statewide mandate begins 2018)

California recently expanded ignition interlock access to all DUI drivers in the state, showing a dedication to keeping the streets safe after a DUI occurs. Before that even becomes an issue, California designated drivers can change the way we drive home, keeping us safe and cozy in the back of a car, as far away from driving as possible.

RADD (not to be confused with MADD), a California drunk driving awareness organization that utilizes the state’s music and recording artist industry, sponsors designated driver services on college campuses in the state. Those California designated drivers keep colleges safe, on top of helping prevent underage drinking and driving and any other associated crimes that can occur while under the influence of alcohol. RADD offers awards or perks to designated drivers, as well as educational programs and other services across the U.S.

With RADD and all of the other California designated drivers and sober ride services, we have a better chance at reducing the number of DUIs on the roads, as well as interlocks in vehicles. Those are all huge reasons to celebrate the success of a state that proves its dedication to safe streets every day.