What have designated drivers done for you? What have you done for them? Why do we need them and how do we get them to do it? Share your thoughts in the conversations below.

A designated driver is your buddy, or mate, who cares enough to stay sober while you are drinking, and provide safe transportation home. On any night out on the town you should consider how you're going to make it home in your inebriated state.¹ If your town of choice happens to have poor or no public transport you may need to enlist a designated driver, or DD.

What a DD can do for you.

Besides providing you with safe transportation and keeping you out of jail, or death's hands, a DD can be a great source of information about any acts of stupidity you may have committed while drunk. This, although, can be good and bad because who knows how long it will take you to live down that night you started dancing and singing ALL the words to a New Kids on the Block song, but your DD can inform you of what friend you need to apologize to for reliving yourself in their garden. A DD can also be a safety for "beer goggles" ². A good friend can make sure you have no reason to scream when you awake. They can keep you out of any fights you may instigate or have your back if you get into one.

How to get a DD

Friends are usually the best choice for a DD. They already care about you, are willing to do favors, and know what door step to drop you off on if you have passed your limit. Sometimes one individual may be primed for a DD position, if they have to work early the next day, are on medication that they can't mix, or maybe still sick from last night's party. Once you narrow down your choices all your have to do is ask. Offer to buy their drinks ³, food, or promise to be DD next time.

What to Do with a DD once you're drinking

Taking a DD with you

Once you have secured your designated driver its time to go party. While partying don't forget your DD. He/she may be your friend but they don't want to be bored. Remember to keep them in the conversation, you want to make sure they are having a good time, not only are they your comrade but they are also doing you a favor. Just because you did not need to promise food or drinks to get your DD does not mean you can't buy them those things now to show your appreciation, many bars offer free non-alcoholic drinks for DDs. Or you may try to hook them up with a drunk (or sober) attractive person. When they have to explain why they're not drinking it will show how much of a good friend they are.

Having one on call

Maybe your DD does not want to go out with you. Sometimes nothing is more annoying than a bunch of drunk people when you're not. You can either pre-arrange a pickup time and location or arrange an approximate time to call for their services. Remember if you have arranged to be picked up be where you said you would and on time. Its only courteous.

The Ride Home

1. No matter how much fun it may seem to be at the time to watch your friend pull a broad slide in the middle of the road DON'T PULL THE HANDBRAKE!
2. If you have to throw up tell someone so they can pull over. ⁴

Return the Favor

Remember using your friends as a DD may require you return the favor one day. Make sure you are ready to do this.

DD's for hire?

Its called a taxi. It you are caught with no ride but your own call one. It cost less than wrecking your own car, getting a ticket, or worse.

For more information on drinking and driving issues in the UK check out The Portman Group

For more information on drinking and driving issues in America check out Freedom 4 you