Safe Rides begins driver training

Safe Rides, a program that sponsors designated drivers, will begin a membership drive and training drivers this fall. The program is a designated driving service that will provide free safe rides home to any student who may need one.

"I think the program is a great way to prevent drunk driving and to ensure the safety of JMU students and the community," sophomore Kathryn Newman said.

Rental cars will be used and each will have a male and female pair, one driving and the other navigating. Any student who is 18 and in good academic standing (2.0 GPA) is eligible to join the program.

Time commitment to Safe Rides is flexible, as members will be required to work no more than two times a month, according to the organization.

"I decided to become involved in the program because drunk driving is a big problem [at the university]," said sophomore Jesci Drake, who joined the organization last fall. The organization spent much of last fall getting university recognition as a club and raising money to rent cars and pay insurance. "Everyone involved in Safe Rides is very dedicated to the cause," Drake said.

The group will begin a general membership search the week of Sept. 6 and hold an information night on Thursday, Sept. 9 in Taylor Hall. Applications for the program will be available online starting Sept. 6.

"By the end of the semester, we hope to have all our members trained and have raised enough money through sponsorship and fund raising," said junior Meredith Funsten, executive director of Safe Rides. Members will be trained, but not certified, in defensive driving, first aid and universal precautions.

The organization is still looking for contacts from different companies and corporation and local donations, to help pay for insurance and the rental fees for the cars. Safe Rides created a JMU foundation to accept donations and has held various fund-raising events for the program.

Once the program is up and running students will be able to call drivers to get rides back to their apartments, houses or dorms.

Last year’s programs included a male auction and a benefit concert, "One Night, One Ride, One Life." The annual concert will be held again this year Sept. 20, featuring various a cappella groups and speakers.

"I think that Safe Rides is a very important program," Funsten said. "It will be something that will benefit the entire campus." Safe Rides is designed after a similar program at Texas A&M University, called Caring Aggies R Protecting Over Our Lives. CARPOOL. It was started in 1999 by A&M student Jeff Schiefelbein, according to the college.