The SMASHED Designated Driver Program is based on a concept already used around the world. The following list is a sampling of countries that have successfully instituted the, "Designated Driver" Membership Program.

• CANADA
  It all began here . . . in Quebec City to be precise. With the help of the Quebec City police and CHRC, a local radio station, Operation Red Nose was started in 1984 by the Red & Gold Swim Team of Laval University. Brainchild of it's coach, Jean-Marie De Koninck, a university professor of mathematics. Mr. De Koninck was looking for a way to fund athletic scholarships for the student athletes on his team.
  
  He was appalled by data indicating that more than 50% of all fatal driving accidents were caused by impaired drivers. And that's when he came up with the idea to involve the 25 swimmers on his team and offer the late night drinkers a safe ride home in their own vehicle. Mr. De Koninck received the support of the Quebec City Police immediately. And with the help of radio station CHRC, who actively promoted the original idea, the first Operation Red Nose Campaign was born.
  
  As a result, volunteers, sponsors, and members of the community managed to set up a network of Designated Drivers to help make the roadways safer for everyone. Now, Operation Red Nose is not only a hit, but the program is a part of the culture. It is, in fact, "trendy" to always have a Designated Driver. AND . . . believe it or not, the best part of the program . . . people think it's "cool" to be a volunteer!
  
  
• SWITZERLAND
  Tourists from Europe, while visiting Canada, heard about Operation Red Nose. They thought it was so useful that they brought the idea home and adapted it to their own legislation.
  
  
• FRANCE
  No need to say that Canada's little cousin had to do the same! Now, Operation Red Nose is exporting it's "know how" to most of the countries throughout Europe!
  
  
• UNITED STATES
  And finally, with the help of sponsors, community leaders, business people and volunteers, South Florida has it's own Designated Driver Program. Here we call it SMASHED.