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Crime & Safety

Should A 'Designated Driver' Drink?

Are you OK if your "safe driver" has a cocktail? Or does "designated" mean zero alcohol consumption?

Susan C. Schena, Neighbor
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Can the person assigned the task of staying sober, to safely drive everyone home, have a drink or two?

Or should the designated driver abstain altogether?

Last week, Palo Alto Police Chief Dennis Burns kicked off the region's "Avoid the 13" holiday DUI crackdown by taking to the streets in a patrol car, with an assistant live-tweeting the Friday night's sobriety stops and arrest.

One of the police department's tweets: 

Palo Alto Police @PaloAltoPolice13 Dec What does “designated driver” mean to you? We recommend that it should mean a “non-drinking driver.” #BayAreaDUI

Which raises the question: Should a "designated driver" drink?

Just one or two? Not to the point of impairment, mind you. But at a legal limit to get behind the wheel.

Or does "designated" mean a stone-cold sober, soda-sipper? 

What do you think? What are your expectations of a "designated driver" when you are out on the town?  


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