Drunken driving is a problem in Gainesville. As the death of Gainesville Police Department Lt. Corey Dahlem in April 2007 reminds us, this is not a problem of simply underage drinkers. It affects everyone. Solving this serious safety concern should be a priority for the entire community.
What we really need is a change in culture - police enforcement focused on keeping these drivers off the roads, student groups and the city giving students viable, advertised transportation options, and an administration focused on student accountability rather than trying to eliminate alcohol completely.
The newly formed Gator Ride program seems to be a step in the right direction. These concerned students providing an alternative to driving drunk will keep dangerous people off the roads at night and should be lauded for their efforts.
I challenge the police, student leaders, the city and the administration to focus their efforts on stopping the most prominent safety concern facing our community today: drinking and driving.
