CHEERS TO THE DESIGNATED DRIVER

The pros and cons of the designated driver concept are outlined in this article. The concept was designed to get drinkers out from behind the wheel; however, controversy surrounds the idea because it is supposedly a popular concept among underage drinkers. The controversy lies in sending the message to teenagers--if you promote the message, you are encouraging underage drinking and if you do not promote the message, you are ignoring an existing problem. Also key to the designated driver concept is abstinence--some misconceptions about designated drivers have been that they can consume limited amounts of alcohol. Another unproven criticism is that others overindulge when designated drivers are assigned. Overall, though, the impact of the designated driver concept has been positive.