The Designated Driver

Citing the staggering fatality statistics for drunk driving accidents (some 24,000 deaths per year), coupled with the fact that only one out of every 2,000 drunk drivers is arrested, this tape examines the effects of one community's response to the problem. The brainchild of retired California Highway Patrol officer Tom Campbell of Santa Barbara, the "Designated Driver" program was introduced to try and lessen the number of accidents on a particularly dangerous stretch of Highway 154. In conjunction with bar and restaurant owners, police officers and interested community members devised a program whereby establishments serving alcohol would encourage one member of each party to abstain from drinking in order to ensure safe driving. In return, the "designated driver" was given complimentary soft drinks and peanuts, a pin to wear, and generally made to feel special. The effects have been notable, with accidents on Hwy 154 reduced by 50%. The film concludes with a powerful and shocking revelation: actor Ken Swofford (Fame) who narrates the tape, reveals that he is narrating from prison, where he was sentenced for a drunk driving accident which resulted in injuries to three other people besides himself. A good piece of filmmaking which addresses a serious problem by offering a workable solution. Unfortunately, at $495 the general public it's meant to inform will never see it, since no one can afford it. The tape is recommended in the accompanying brochure for "law enforcement agencies," "county/state alcohol programs," "driving and traffic schools," "restaurants," etc. We agree, since the tape is niche-priced it might as well be niche-bought. Recommended for the above listed institutions. (Available from: Parsons Runyon Entertainment, 1216 State St., #712, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; 1-800-888-7817.)