Ditter S, Elder Rw, Shults Ra, Sleet

Ditter S, Elder RW, Shults RA, Sleet DA, Compton R, Nichols JL, Task Force on Community Preventive Services. Effectiveness of designated driver programs for reducing alcohol -- "impaired driving: a systematic review. Am J. Prev Med 2005;28(5S):280 -- "7.

What were researchers looking for?

The research was conducted to find out and evaluate the proof of effectiveness of a program designed for drivers to assist in the lowering the number of people driving under the influence of alcohol.

How was the experiment carried out?

The experiment was carried out through the use of two different programs, whereby volunteers were selected and used as a population-based crusaders. Through population campaign, a number of drivers were selected and encouraged to take part in the driver both under the influence of alcohol and when not under the influence of alcohol (sober). Incentives were given to those people who acted as designated drivers during the study. However, each driver was monitored by a team of experts where their behaviors were noted and used as an evaluation material. The technical review was then done to find out if drivers who were driving after alcohol met quality criteria needed on our roads.

What did the experiment reveal?

The result of this experiment indicates a 13 percentage point increase in the respondent who is normally nominated as a designated driver; however, the result shows a little change in the number of people who drives under the influence of alcohol or riding when drunk. Eight of the studies carried out after providing incentives to designated drivers were found to be inclusive and met the necessary criteria. Seven of the drivers who were evaluated and identified themselves as selected drivers before and after the beginning of the programs were employed. This means, the study revealed an increase of 0.9 designated drivers every night. Moreover, the study also revealed a 6 percentage point reduction on the total number of people who volunteered information or reporting to the police when drove in a car or rode a motorbike with a person who was intoxicated drivers among the respondents exposed to an incentive program.

Evaluation: add your comments regarding whether this was a worthwhile project

This project was worthwhile, going by the number of deaths which had occurred simply because certain person normally drives under the influence of alcohol or when intoxicated. Therefore, the project reveals that when driving when drunk is controlled and all cases of accidents are properly reported, the number of accident on our roads shall reduce thoroughly.

Future study: if appropriate, identify any remaining related questions that should be studied