Study Suggests That Some Designated Drivers Might Not Understand What That Means

A new study suggests that many designated drivers may be drinking before doing so. The study found that out of those investigated who identified themselves as designated drivers, 35% drank before driving and at least half of those had blood alcohol levels of at least .05. To me this suggests one important thing: many designated drivers may not understand what the term means.

After all, ‘designated driver’ is supposed to mean the person who is designated to drive and therefore doesn’t drink. Thus, I would be concerned that any designated driver who drinks may not understand the role they are supposed to play. Perhaps this role should be re-explained to them.

Granted, many of these drivers may not be legally drunk when driving. The study only mentioned that many had BAC up to .05, which is generally below the .08 legal limit in many states. However, many states (including mine) have a lesser charge to drunk driving where the driver is impaired by alcohol or such to any degree. Frankly, the only sure way to be legal is for the driver to not drink. This may be too much, as someone may be able to have a beer or two and still be safe, but the designated driver role implies a bit more.

I just think it’s weird that designated drivers are drinking. It just seems to me that if you’re going to specifically identify yourself as a designated driver, you might want to just not drink at all. Other people obviously have different views, but if you’re going to drink anyway then why have a designated driver?

Although, I suppose a driver who is .05 or less is better than a driver who is .08 or substantially more. I’d still prefer a .00 if I could get it.