Ohioans for Responsible Drinking, founded in 1999, is a statewide,
not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the responsible
use of alcohol beverages. Our mission is to fund programs either
in partnership with other concerned groups, or newly developed by
Ohioans for Responsible Drinking, which focus on responsible drinking
and curbing underage drinking and drunk driving.
Ohioans for Responsible Drinking, founded in 1999, is a statewide,
not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the responsible
use of alcohol beverages. Our mission is to fund programs either
in partnership with other concerned groups, or newly developed programs
by Ohioans for Responsible Drinking, which focus on responsible
drinking and curbing underage drinking and drunk driving.
Designated Driver Programs work!
Nearly all adults have heard the idea of "Designated Driver,"
and our goal is to make "planning ahead" part of the
young adult mindset. The Designated Driver may be the safest choice
a young adult can make!
Pooling dollars in partnerships between the public and private
sector are becoming more and more effective. For example, Ohioans
for Responsible Drinking partners with the Ohio Department of
Public Safety, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, BP Express, and
Clear Channel Broadcasting for an intensive, media-driver awareness
campaign called "Designate a Driver".
The program is promoted over the long July 4th weekend, one of
the busiest and deadliest for state highways. Here's how the message
gets out:
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Ohioans for Responsible Drinking purchases radio advertising,
primarily targeted to young adults, on stations throughout
Ohio. Stations owned by Clear Channel Broadcasting donates
public service announcements and promotions to double the
amount of our exposure and awareness.
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The Ohio Department of Public Safety provides funding for
50,000 travel mugs, which are distributed by the Highway Patrol
and Clear Channel radio stations.
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Consumers could take the travel mug to any BP Express in
Ohio for a "fill up" of free coffee over the holiday
period.
The great news: Since the program began, fatal crashes in Ohio
have been reduced during the July 4th holiday period.
More good news
We've come a long way in responsible drinking in Ohio, and we
can do even better. Statistics were first gathered in 1982 by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nearly 20
years later, total fatalities in drunk driving crashes in Ohio
are down a whopping 49%. And total fatalities in teen drunk driving
crashes in Ohio have steadily declined and are down 66%. We know
there is more to do.
College Assistance
Ohioans for Responsible Drinking has published a College Compendium
of Responsible Drinking Programs, available to all Ohio colleges
and universities. Programs range from free speakers to server
training to computer disks. In addition, members actively contribute
time and materials to local college organizations that are working
to curb high-risk behavior among students.
Become Part of the Solution
Ohioans for Responsible Drinking is a coalition comprised of
organizations and individuals working toward one common goal:
Promoting individual responsibility.
Members are both businesses and individuals. There are no membership
fees; funding is strictly through donations. Major funding comes
from members of the Wholesale Beer and Wine Association of Ohio.
If you want to become part of the solution, call Tim Bechtold
at Ohioans for Responsible Drinking, in care of the Wholesale
Beer and Wine Association of Ohio, (800)282-7639 or (614)224-3500.
Ohioans for Responsible Drinking
37 West Broad Street, Suite 70
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800)282-7639
(614)224-3500
FAX (614)224-1348
