by Bill Elliott

Fourteen years ago last month, we lost our son, Navy Ensign John Elliott, to a drunk driver. John had just graduated from the United States Naval Academy, where he was named the Outstanding HERO of the Year for his service to his fellow midshipmen as a Human Education Resource Officer. Out of our loss and our love for John, we wanted to create a lasting and living legacy in his memory, dedicated to promoting designated drivers and preventing drunk driving tragedies. The John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers® was the result, with its signature message, “Be a HERO. Be a Designated Driver®.

We’ve taken the HERO Campaign a good distance in those 14 years: From our headquarters at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, we have partnered with schools and colleges, professional sports teams, law enforcement agencies, taverns, restaurants and community groups in the effort to increase the use of designated drivers. The Philadelphia Phillies, New York Giants, and New England Patriots all support the campaign by registering designated drivers and serving them free soft drinks at their stadiums. The campaign is now active in seven states, and hundreds of bars and taverns serve free soft drinks to their designated-driver patrons.

Now, on Sunday, October 5, we will hold our 4thannual HERO Walk on the Ocean City, New Jersey Boardwalk. Last year, more than 2,000 people took part in our Walk, which raised $100,000 for the HERO Campaign. This year’s Walk will serve as the kickoff to our 15thanniversary year.

We are confident the HERO Campaign has made a difference in the battle against drunk driving. Figures released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show, over the period of 2002-2012 (latest available), alcohol-impaired driving fatalities per 100K population in New Jersey declined by 18.4%. The State Police and other highway safety agencies recognize our contribution to that decline.

And when we say “we”, that includes all of you. The HERO Campaign can vigorously promote designated driver awareness, but it takes an individual to hear that message and thus make the responsible decision to not get behind the wheel if he is impaired.

Which is why the 4th annual HERO Walk is so important. When 2,000 people walk down the Ocean City Boardwalk, from 6th to 20th streets and back again, all to promote the life-saving role of designated drivers, it gets noticed. We hope you will be one or more of those 2,000 supporters by walking, pledging, and inviting others to come along. You can register on our website at www.theherowalk.org

So join us on October 5 for our 4th annual HERO Walk in Ocean City. You’ll have a great time, make some new friends and contribute to preventing drunkdriving tragedies.

See you at the Walk!