As 2016 draws to a close, social calendars will fill up with parties and get togethers across Miami County. It’s a time for laughter and joy, not for dangerous driving and potential harm on the area highways and byways. To help residents make smart decisions for celebrating the holidays, local Rotary clubs will kick off the 16th annual “Designated Driver” button campaign to help promote safe, sober driving during the final weeks of the year.

On Tuesday, December 6th, Troy Rotarian Dr. Michael Pope will host the official kickoff at the Troy Country Club, 1830 Peters Road, at 10:30 AM. Representatives from the Troy and West Milton Rotary clubs, the Miami County Sherriff’s Office, and the Ohio Highway Patrol will be there to help support the launch. 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 hand out 1,000 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 15 years. It’s due, in part, to programs such as this Rotary campaign. The buttons are a visual reminder of the need to have a sober, designated driver instead of getting behind the wheel of a car after consuming alcohol at parties or celebrations. The button program is Pope’s brainchild. “It has been a privilege for Rotary clubs to help our friends in Miami County have a safe holiday season through this campaign,” he noted.

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.