This study is designed to estimate the use of the designated driver concept by weekend nighttime drivers in the United States. Roadside surveys were conducted in randomly selected locations across the contiguous 48 states between September and November 1996. Approximately 6000 drivers were asked whether on the night of the survey they were acting as a designated driver and were administered an alcohol breath test.

Of drivers surveyed, 24.7% reported that they were a designated driver. Overall, designated drivers were more likely to have a positive BAC than nondesignated drivers. However, when only those coming from bars were analyzed, designated drivers were not more likely to have been drinking.