As may people in Carson City join together on St. Patrick's Day to celebrate Irish heritage, Capital Beverages would like to salute the millions who make designated drivers part of their party plans.
More than 90 percent of the public endorse the designated driver concept as an excellent or good way to curb drunk driving, according to a recent Data Development Corp. poll. In fact, 109 million American adults have been a designated driver or driven home by one.
Capital Beverages, a local Anheuser-Busch distributor, works year-round with bar and restaurant owners, community groups, law enforcement officials, government agencies and many other community leaders to promote responsible drinking and designated drivers.
As part of this effort, we are training area bartenders and servers in techniques that help identify, prevent and handle potential alcohol abuse situations. Through efforts like these, we have made great strides in addressing the issue of drunk driving.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the number of drunk driving deaths has declined 41 percent, the lowest level since government began tracking these numbers in 1982.
We're winning the fight against drunk driving. So let's remember before we make a toast and tribute to St. Patrick, to look out for one another and designate a driver.
KURT BROWN
Vice President
Capital Beverages, Inc.