Tips for designated drivers, festive season 2008

8 December 2008

• Prepare a route, taking account of any pick ups and drop offs.
• Take an up to date map in case you have to deviate off route at any time.
• Take a note of where the nearest A&E is, just in case passenger inebriation later turns into something more serious.
• Familiarise yourself with the vehicle if it’s not yours, particularly where the minor controls, like light switches, are and ensure it has enough fuel for the entire journey at least.
• Study the weather forecast and traffic information before you leave and plan accordingly.
• Take warm clothes if it’s cold – drunk party-goers rarely feel the cold but you might have to hang around waiting for them!
• If the vehicle could be iced up when you come to leave, ensure you have an ice scraper to hand. A credit card won’t do!
• Check that the spare wheel is legal and inflated and that you have a means of fitting it. You don’t want to be stranded at two in the morning with a bunch of incoherent so-called friends who won’t be able to lift a finger to help.
• Take a charged mobile phone and take a note of the mobile number of all your passengers.
• Take a note of everybody’s home addresses in case they’re not capable of telling you on the return journey.
• Tell your passengers what time you intend to leave and that it’s non negotiable.
• Make sure all passengers know where the vehicle is (and its reg. no.) for their return journey.
• Carry sick bags, let the occupants know where they are and that they are the preferred remedy in emergencies!
• Make sure that all passengers wear seat belts….even if they aren’t capable of putting them on.
• If anybody is getting out of control and could interfere with your driving, say that you will kick them out and leave them stranded……and mean it!
• If you have remote locking doors, use them. You don’t want drunk passengers trying to get out of the car on the move!
• If you’re driving in the early hours you have to assume you’re the only designated driver out there and that everybody else is over the limit. Give everybody a wide berth and don’t assume they use their mirrors!
• If it looks like a road rage incident is developing or someone is trying to race you, don’t get involved - when it’s safe to do so, let the other vehicle pass, or if you feel really threatened, head for a well lit, busy place, like a petrol forecourt.
• If your route takes you through unlit rural areas be especially cautious about pedestrians who may not be entirely in control of their actions.
• A car full of people is obviously going to attract the attention of the police, particularly when the traffic is light, so don’t be tempted to take a chance just because you’re as sober as a judge. Stick rigidly to the speed limits and keep lots of space between you and the vehicles around you.
• If you have a car full of well-oiled comrades, don’t allow yourself to be egged on. Stay calm and in control. Don’t step outside your comfort or capability zone. Remind them that you’re the one who is responsible for their welfare. Be thick skinned and remember the motivation for volunteering in the first place!

For further information, members of the media should contact
Steve Johnson on direct line +44 (0)1344 467896, mobile +44 (0)7894 621134 or on steve.johnson@drivetech.co.uk

Editor's Notes

DriveTech (UK) plc is one of the UK’s leading providers of road risk management, driver assessment and education. We work with organisations whose employees ‘drive for work’ (FleetSafe) and with members of the public, who are offered education as an alternative to prosecution by the police (DriverAware), as well as a totally fresh approach to learning to drive (Advantage).

DriveTech’s vision is ‘working together to eliminate road death and serious injuries’ by providing the most effective and innovative solutions, using education and technology, to minimise risk for all road users.

DriveTech (UK) has won the Institute of Transport Management’s ‘Fleet Award for Driver Training’ in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 and the ‘European Driver Safety Specialist’ award in 2005. In September 2007, it was named the ITM’s ‘UK Driver Training Solutions Specialist’ and in 2008 DriveTech was voted ‘Best Driver Training Company’ in the Green Fleet Awards.

DriveTech is a member of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, the Association of Car Fleet Operators, the Association of National Driver Improvement Scheme Providers, the DfT’s ‘Driving For Better Business’ campaign and is accredited by both the Driving Standards Agency and City & Guilds.