New App Rewards Designated Sober Drivers

One new application is looking to make the job of being a designated sober driver a little sweeter.

DDVIP – Designated Driver App, a new application from The California Office of Traffic Safety, gives discounts and exclusive offers to sober designated drivers across the state.

Users can search through all participating bars and restaurants in California and filter them by location. The Greater San Diego area, for instance, has more than 35 restaurants and bars that are offering deals like a free non-alcoholic drink for sober drivers.

Miller’s Field in Pacific Beach is one of the bars in San Diego that participates in the discounts for designated drivers because of the app. The owner called the app a β€œno-brainer.”

β€œWe offer them a free appetizer and a non alcoholic beverage of their choice if they are the designated driver,” said owner Ray Corallino. β€œI think it's a really good idea because we have a lot of college kids that come down from the 'State area, USD, UCSD and they have to drive a long way home.”

Some San Diego visitors expressed mixed feelings about the application.

"I think the incentives, getting a free appetizer, people are gonna want to be a designated driver, thinking maybe its not a big deal to be sober tonight, because I'm getting free non-alcoholic drink," said Sean Ridinger. "I'm also getting a free appetizer. It's really a good idea."

Fellow visitor Lexie Farrelly said the application appeals more to one age group.

"I think it's age dependent," Farrelly said. "I think it would almost work for older people, other than younger people because I think, college bars and stuff like that for younger people, I don't think they really care as much."

The application also helps out sober drivers taking a break for a weekend by letting them get a ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb through the application.

The application is available to download for free on Android’s Google Play and the Apple App Store.

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