---

Survey by Farmers Insurance Group Shows 1in 5 Designated Drivers Drink

28 December 1999

New Survey by Farmers Insurance Group Shows One in Five Designated Drivers Still Drinks

                Getting Home Safely Takes Commitment, Planning

    LOS ANGELES, Dec. 28 -- You're going to a party this holiday
season, and you and your friends act responsibly by appointing a designated
driver in your group.  But just how dependable will that driver be?
    According to a new survey by Farmers Insurance Group, more than 20 percent
of those acting as designated drivers will likely have more than one alcoholic
drink during the course of the evening.
    "We were surprised by the results," said Kenneth Adams, Public Relations
Manager for Farmers Insurance Group.  "The people we trust to get us home
safely may not be in any condition to drive.  This is a plea to designated
drivers this season -- please, please don't have even one drink."
    The next few days are particularly perilous on the roads.  According to
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol was
involved in nearly 40 percent of all fatal crashes in 1998.  On New Year's
Day, the statistic is staggering -- almost 70 percent.
    The survey also showed that while a large majority of those polled (84.6
percent) strongly agree with the idea of having a designated driver when they
know they will be drinking alcohol, only 50 percent actually follow through
and appoint one.
    Furthermore, nearly 20 percent admitted that they never appoint a
designated driver.
    "Far too many people are playing roulette behind the wheel," Adams added.
"There are many solutions to the drinking and driving dilemma -- don't drink,
get a hotel room, reserve a cab -- but they take planning.  Don't wait until
you're at the party to figure out how you're going to get home."
    During the upcoming holiday season, Farmers asks that you appoint a
designated driver and that he or she abide by these rules:
    *  Agree to not drink before or during the party.
    *  Agree what time the party will end, and leave.
    *  Help your friends drink responsibly by suggesting nonalcoholic
beverages.
    *  Make sure everyone wears his or her seatbelt.  People who have been
drinking are less likely to buckle up.
    Farmers Insurance Group supports RADD -- Recording Artists, Actors, and
Athletes Against Drunk Driving -- a California program whose campaign
"Designate Before You Celebrate" offers positive solutions by rewarding those
who agree to drive responsibly.
    Farmers also supports the National Commission Against Drunk Driving, and
earlier this month hosted its fifteenth annual awards program in Washington,
D.C., honoring individuals and organizations whose programs help reduce
impaired driving and underage drinking.
    Farmers is the nation's third-largest home and auto insurer.
Headquartered in Los Angeles and doing business in 41 states, Farmers provides
home, auto, business and life insurance to more than 8 million households
through 15,000 agents and district managers.
    Farmers Insurance Group wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.