December 14, 2009

The Designated Driver Turns 21

Harvard School of Public Health professor Jay Winsten enlisted popular TV shows to reduce drunk-driving fatalities.

The "designated driver" has turned 21—and during that period, the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities has fallen from about 25,000 a year to about 13,000. Today’s Boston Globe reported this news in a brief interview with Jay Winsten, associate dean for public and community affairs at Harvard School of Public Health.

Winsten played a major role in introducing the Scandinavian practice to the United States as a positive solution to the problem of drinking and driving; a major breakthrough was getting popular TV shows to refer to designated drivers in their programming, as the Globe interview and “Drinking and Driving Get Prime Time,” an article from the Harvard Magazine archives, make clear.

You might also like

Stone building facade with a decorative entrance and reflections in the window.

FAS Reports Financial Stability, But Rising Debt

Leaders say the cost of consultants and severance will be recouped within 18 months.

A red brick building featuring a large white door with an arched window, flanked by lamps.

Judge Dismisses Case Demanding Harvard Admissions Data

The government failed to meet procedural requirements before suing the University.

Protesters march holding signs in a public square with buildings and trees in the background.

Harvard Graduate Workers Begin Strike

In the second walkout in six months, union leaders call for better pay and benefits and a stronger grievance process.

Most popular

Historic brick building with a tall, ornate tower against a clear blue sky.

As Union Protests Continue, Stephen Colbert and Yo-Yo Ma Event at Harvard Cut Short

A conversation between the comedian and the celebrated cellist was interrupted by a fire alarm in Sanders Theatre.

Crowd of picketers holding signs advocating for fair pay on a sunny day.

Cancellations, Disruptions as Harvard Graduate Student Strike Enters Second Week

Some faculty complain about the protests’ effect on students.

Illustrated portraits of Michael Mina, Doug Melton, and Stuart Schreiber, surrounded by scientific symbols and annotations related to their fields, including molecular biology, stem cells, and biomarker validation.

Harvard Professors Leaving for Private Sector Research

Three distinguished scientists on leaving academia to advance biomedical research

Explore More From Current Issue

A smiling man in a brown plaid suit stands outdoors with greenery in the background.

University News

The professor and former Harvard College dean is the next president of Harvard Magazine’s Board of Directors

Bronze statue of a seated figure holding a book, with a campus setting in the background.

Humanities

As humanities shrink across higher education, one department is flourishing. Is its success a fluke, or a roadmap?

Illuminated hanging sculptures resembling organic forms, casting warm light in a dim space.

Arts & Culture

Artists Enzo Camacho and Ami Lien turn a colonial symbol from Cambodia inside out.