Miami Valley Today News

Rotary Club Begins Designated Driver Button Campaign

The weather was cold and snow flurries fell, but that didn't stop dedicated Rotarians from launching this year's "Designated Driver" button campaign. Flanked by Miami County Sheriff Dave Duchak and Lieutenant Joseph A. Gebhart, post commander for the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Dr. Michael Pope kicked off the 17th annual campaign on December 12th. The program promotes safe, sober driving during the final weeks of the year when holiday celebrations are frequent and popular.

A Troy Rotarian, Pope unveiled the 2017 program at the Troy Country Club, 1830 Peters Road, at 10 AM. The gold and blue "Designated Driver" buttons will be distributed to area bars, restaurants, banks, and drive-thru businesses during the holiday season. The State Liquor store will have 1,000 buttons to hand out to customers while thousands more will be available in Troy, Tipp City, and West Milton establishments.

According to area law enforcement, there have not been any alcohol-related fatal accidents during the holiday season in Miami County in the past 16 years. It's due, in part, to programs such as this Rotary campaign where the buttons serve as a visual reminder to have a sober, designated driver if you plan to consume alcohol at parties. The Miami County Sheriff's office will have extra patrols on the roadways to help keep travel safe, and the Ohio Highway Patrol will be on alert for impaired drivers. Remember to buckle up and stay sober when you get behind the wheel of a car between now and New Year's Day.

The Troy and West Milton Rotary clubs are part of Rotary International. Each club offers members an opportunity to support socio/economic issues that have an impact both locally and internationally. You can follow the Troy Rotary activities on Facebook at Troy Rotary Club. To learn more about Rotary and membership, please visit www.troyohiorotary.org.