San Diego Designated Driver Programs to Avoid DUI
Designated Driver programs provide transportation for persons who plan to drink, and typically promote the concept of designating a driver to commit to remaining sober and assuming the responsibility of getting others home safely.
The San Diego Designated Drivers Association, founded by Raymond Gross, was forced to discontinue services in San Diego due to lack of funding. Alternative options in San Diego County include "Safe Ride Solutions", which requires annual membership, as well as options provided specifically for San Diego County University students.
Common Designated Driver Policies
The purpose of a Designated Driver program is to deter drivers from getting behind the wheel while impaired. Some designated driver services impose as a condition of services, that the impaired rider, or transportee, actually have a vehicle in their possession but opt not to drive as a safety measure. This condition is obviously enforced to ensure the service is fulfilling its intended purpose of deterrence, rather than being misused as a method of transportation where none other exists. Some Designated Driver programs require that you MUST have a vehicle at your disposal, or they will not provide a ride for you.
Impaired Driver Pick up and Drop Off Points
Nonprofit Designated Driver services are typically point to point, making one stop to pick up the passenger(s) and another to arrive at the planned destination, or drop off point. Drivers usually accept tips.
San Diego Designated Driver Services
Safe Ride Solutions
What to Know:
Claims to offer services 24/7
Transportation provided in your own vehicle
Requires membership at a cost of $100 annually
Services select cities nationwide, including San Diego
Members can reserve a designated driver for an entire evening
States drivers and staff are held to a contractual confidentiality agreement
Note: Designated Drivers are off-duty or retired law enforcement officers
Contact Info
Phone: (208) 938-4500
Safe Ride Solutions Website
Designated Drivers for San Diego Students
College Cab Service
Services: University of San Diego Undergraduate Students
Payment: Not required at time of or as a condition of service
50% Discount Criteria: Pay half of cab cost within 2 weeks
Eligibility: Current enrollment at USD. *USD will subsidize 50% of cost
Payments Due Beyond 2 Week Grace Period: Student responsible for full fare
Contact: 619-291-3333
Associated Students Safe Ride Program
Hours of Operation:
11 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights
during the academic school year
Eligibility:
Currently enrolled at UCSD
Current registration in Safe Ride Program
Signed student waiver on file
Limitations:
Up to 3 free rides per student each academic quarter
Contact Info: 619-564-7998
Establishing a Private Safe Ride Program
According to MADD, a "Safe Ride" program is simple to arrange, and requires only as few as two people to operate. To work correctly, it is essential that people plan ahead by selecting one person to refrain from drinking alcohol to assume the role of Designated Driver. Decide ahead of time who will not drink any alcohol before or during the party or event.
Sober Driving Saves Lives
It is estimated that use of designated drivers has saved 50,000 lives and spared many more thousands of people from injuries resulting from drunk driving accidents. Safe Driving programs have also saved many would be drunk drivers from the embarrassment of a DUI arrest, saved drivers licenses, and helped drivers avoid fines and jail sentences for DUI.
G. Cole Casey is THE top DUI Defense Lawyer in San Diego County. His practice is dedicated exclusively to the defense of persons charged with DUI, DWI and Drunk Driving in Southern California.
Call us twenty-four hours a day at 619.237.0384 or send us an email now to discuss an aggressive and legitimate defense strategy for your DUI case.