People who act as designated drivers for others who have been drinking get incentives beyond keeping people safe.
The San Juan Basin Health Department has partnered with X-Rock radio, First National Bank of Durango, Alpine Bank and the Colorado Restaurant Association to create a designated-driver campaign that brings awareness to the effects of impaired driving and the need to reduce drunken driving rates in La Plata County.
Thirty participating local bars and restaurants offer designated drivers free nonalcoholic beverages.
Each participating restaurant provides a yellow paper bracelet to any designated driver who identifies himself or herself as the sober driver, said Pat Senecal, community organizer at San Juan Basin Health.
The designated driver also can get a yellow wristband from X-rock or the health department.
“We know it’s a tourist, college and brew town. We are not against drinking, what we are for is safety in the community and positive role modeling for the youth,” Senecal said.
Four Corners Broadcasting, Business Improvement District and Durango Area Tourism Office also are partnering with the health department to sponsor the Ultimate Friendship Bracelet, which parallels the designated driver campaign.
The Ultimate Friendship Bracelet is a lime-green rubber bracelet that was introduced May 18 at Taste of Durango. Like the yellow wristband, the lime-green bracelet allows the designated driver to receive a free nonalcoholic drink.
“The idea is that everybody gets home safely,” said Bob Soto, with X-Rock. “It’s a no-brainer, it helps the restaurants and the bars with the liquor liability, and it’s a good community effort.”
Participating restaurants and bars include: Animas City Theatre, Applebees, Chimayo, Cuckoos Chicken House & Waterin’ Hole, Cyprus Cafe, Diamond Belle, East by Southwest, El Moro Spirits & Tavern, Eno Wine Bar, El Rancho, Francisco’s, Guido’s, Himalayan Kitchen, Holiday Inn, Joel’s, Ken & Sue’s, Lost Dog Bar & Lounge, The Office Spiritorium, Orio’s Roadhouse, Olde Tymers, Ore House, Rochester Bar, Seasons Rotisserie & Grill, Sporting News Grill, Steamworks Brewing Co., Tacos Nayarit, Tequila’s and The Palace.
tferraro@durangoherald.com
