10:54 a.m., Nov. 20, 2008----The State of Delaware may have been the second state to adopt a new drunken driving prevention program, but it is taking the lead nationally in efforts to promote the HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers.

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In August, Delaware became the second state to adopt the HERO Campaign, a non-profit organization established in memory of Navy Ensign John Elliott of New Jersey, who was killed in a collision with a drunken driver on July 22, 2000. Since then, a University of Delaware sorority and area businesses are joining state government in support for the campaign, which promotes the use of sober designated drivers to prevent drunken driving tragedies.

At its Oct. 14 Founder's Day ceremonies, the Gamma Sigma Sigma community service sorority donated more than $2,200 to the HERO Campaign from a concert and other fund raising activities held on the Delaware campus. “We were touched by the story of Ensign Elliott and the commitment of his family to save lives in his memory,” said chapter president Chelsea Swilling. “We wanted to do our part to support this important cause and encourage everyone to be a hero by becoming a designated driver.” The sorority heard of the campaign from one of its members, Heather Cerino, who lives in John Elliott's hometown of Egg Harbor Township, N.J.

The Office of Highway Safety has also adopted the HERO Campaign as part of its statewide DUI Strike Force. Following an Aug. 17 news conference where Lt. Gov. John Carney signed a proclamation naming Delaware a HERO State, a State Police DUI traffic checkpoint was held in memory of Ensign Elliott.

Over the coming holiday season, the state will promote the HERO Campaign with table tents, coasters and other promotional materials on college campuses and in bars and taverns. Students and the general public will be asked to take the HERO pledge to drive sober and use designated drivers.

Businesses are also joining the HERO Campaign. Dover Downs Hotel and Casino has adopted the campaign by displaying HERO posters and offering free soft drinks to designated drivers. NKS distributors will donate highway billboards with the HERO message throughout the state for the upcoming holidays. Lieutenant Governor John Carney is also sponsoring an effort to promote the HERO Campaign nationally. “I am very proud that Delaware is taking a leadership role in saving lives,” stated Lt. Governor Carney. “I am also honored to present the HERO Campaign to other states through the National Lieutenant Governor's Association.”

“We are honored and heartened by the outpouring of support from Delaware,” said Bill Elliott, John Elliott's father and founder of the HERO Campaign along with his wife Muriel. “John was a positive person who helped others as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy. He wanted to serve his country. Now through the HERO Campaign he will get his chance.”

Forty-two Delaware drivers lost their lives in alcohol related accidents. Nationwide, more than 17,000 deaths and 350,000 injuries were attributed to drinking and driving, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).