Award: DDVIP: Anti-Drinking and Driving Program

January 1, 2017

Innovations in American Government Awards

  • AWARD WON: 2017 Bright Idea
  • AWARDEE: DDVIP: Anti-Drinking and Driving Program
  • DESIGNEE: State of California
  • JURISDICTION: California

The California Office of Traffic Safety created the DDVIP program in 2012 with the desire to change the authoritative tone set by traditional anti-DUI programs by speaking to its audience as equals, and to change the perception of what it means to be a designated driver. By assembling a network of bars and restaurants throughout California and asking them to create signature non-alcoholic cocktails and creating a mobile app that allows users to find participating bars near them, the program aims to treat designated drivers like VIPs. Any designated sober driver that goes to a participating bar is offered a DDrink and other exclusive discounts as a reward for being the DDVIP, and the program has grown to include social media accounts that use a friendly, nongovernmental voice to engage users, and has forged entertainment partnerships to now offer DDVIP discounts and perks at concerts around the state.