Designated driver effort in 18th year

Hundreds of bars & restaurants participate locally PIKE COUNTY – More than 200 bars and restaurants are participating in the designated driver program in Monroe and Pike counties. For the past 18 years, an ever-increasing number of bars and restaurants have offered their customers a safer ride home by encouraging responsible drinking. Anyone in an establishment that participates in the designated driver campaign, needs only to tell them you will be the designated driver and you’ll be served non alcoholic beverages for free. The campaign is sponsored by the Monroe-Pike Highway Safety Program, which is funded by PennDOT; McDorf’s Tavern and Resort Beverages. “It’s a simple gesture, but it’s a program that can save lives,” said Nina Woodling, coordinator of the highway safety program. Police will be conducting stepped-up DUI enforcement throughout the entire month of December in an effort to curb drunk-driving during the holiday season. Impaired drivers will be arrested. Police remind motorists to designate a sober driver whenever drinking is involved and that ‘buzzed’ driving is drunk driving.