Center for Health Communication

Category: News

The tragic death of a Boston reporter at the hands of a drunk driver spurred the Designated Driver concept in the United States

November 30, 2018 — WBZ-TV (Boston): “We all know the term ‘designated driver,’ it’s part of our culture, and the concept has saved countless lives. But did you know the American version began right here 30 years ago? And by ‘right here’ we mean Massachusetts…It was born out of a tragedy…in November of 1985…a horrible crash…left WBZ-TV reporter Dennis Kauff barely clinging to life…A few days later Kauff died. ‘There wouldn’t have been a designated driver campaign were it not for the tragic death at the hands of a drunk driver. The death of Dennis Kauff,’ said Dr. Jay Winsten. After learning about Kauff’s death, Winsten…had an idea … Continue reading

Effecting change from public awareness and entering the lexicon: ‘Sustainability is the biggest challenge in all of these campaigns’

August 8, 2018 — The Washington Post: “The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence is launching a public education campaign… ‘End Family Fire’…seeks to prevent unintentional deaths by urging gun owners to take steps that would prevent children or guests from accessing firearms… ‘Just like the term designated driver changed perceptions about drinking and driving, the term Family Fire will help create public awareness to change attitudes and actions…[to] play a role in reducing the number of innocent lives lost to gun violence.’ But how does a phrase like designated driver end up in the lexicon? … Continue reading