The HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers - 21 Years of Saving Lives

After his 22-year old son, John lost his life in July of 2000 in an auto accident with a drunk driver, his father Bill Elliott pledged to prevent this tragedy from happening to another family. Ensign John Elliott had recently graduated from The Naval Academy, where he had been named the Hero of the Year, an acronym standing for Human Education Resource Officer, or peer advocate for his fellow shipmates. That year, he and his family founded the John R. Elliot Hero Campaign for Designated Drivers. At the heart of The HERO Campaign is a simple premise: Be a HERO. Be a Designated Driver. Designated drivers are the true HEROES, helping to keep us all safe. They partner with high schools and colleges, bars and taverns, professional sports teams, and even help to shape drunk driving laws. They have inspired more than 100,000 people to take the HERO pledge. Here is the story behind the amazing courage and strength of the Elliott family and the HERO Campaign.