Drinking and driving is bad - there is no denying that fact. As somebody who files claims for an insurance company, I have heard the horror stories from the victims' families first-hand. I agree that Fabulous Rides sounds like a fabulous program and the student body president ought to be commended for trying to promote awareness of its existence in an effort to reduce drunk driving. However, his approach sells the dangers short.
First, his angle is one of selfishness. The message here isn't that you shouldn't drink and drive because you could crash your car possibly killing yourself, your passengers and innocent bystanders. Instead, it is sold on the idea you might avoid a DUI. The your life and the lives of others are always more important than your driving record. Additionally, the fact the launch event is at the biggest watering hole in town is also irresponsible.
Student Government doesn't belong in the business of bar advertisement and promotion. Ever. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, heavy drinkers are eight times more likely than non-binge drinkers to miss a class, fall behind in schoolwork, get hurt or injured and damage property. To promote drinking on a Wednesday night under the guise of a new taxi service just misses the mark almost entirely.
