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Last year in Louisville, 14 out of the 25 traffic deaths of 18-24 year olds were directly related to alcohol, according to Allison Maze of the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.
In an attempt to combat these numbers, the University of Louisville Campus Health Services and the Peer Health Advocates are working together in designing a Designated Driver Initiative (DDI) in hopes of increasing the intolerance of high-risk drinking behaviors such as drunk driving.
Students can get more information regarding these measures by attending the Alcohol Awareness Event today, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. a the Red Barn.
“We have launched the Designated Driver Initiative to encourage students to have agreements before they start drinking,” said Karen Newton, director Health Promotion & Education, Campus Health Services.
The DD initiative has an agreement for students to sign, a promise to be the designated driver, which states the DD will not drink and make sure their friends get home safely.
“This is a great idea for the community not only will it positively reinforce people to act responsibly,” said Alex Leis, a sophomore nursing major.
“But it will also decrease the number of car accidents caused by drivers who are under the influence.”
Peer Health Advocates will have a table as well as Mark Roberts with “CityScoot,” a local service being offered to get drinkers and their vehicles home safe.
On their Web site, http://www.cityscoot.com, students can get information on how to call and request a driver for a pick up.
The drivers arrive on a fold-up scooter, which then goes in the trunk. Upon arriving safely at the destination, the drivers un-fold their scooters and are on their way to the next pick up.
The site states the cost of their services as “almost as cheap as a cab, always cheaper than a DUI.”
The initiative has partnerships with local bars, restaurants and clubs that will honor the U of L DD wristbands, which are given out with the signed agreements and the persons wearing the wristbands will get free soft drinks.
“I don’t drink so that would suit me perfectly,” said Ryne Bruner, a senior nursing major.
“I would love to get free Coke.”
The entrance of participating establishments will display the DD logo or a “We support U of L DDs.”
“I think it sounds like a neat idea,” said Ashley Flood, a freshman of undecided major.
“Even though I’m still underage, I would consider participating.”
The goal of the initiative is to stress the importance of being intolerant and accepting no excuses for driving under the influence.
