Driving you home

Student taxi service re-emerges after donation from UGA parents association

It’s 2 a.m. Sunday morning and swarms of University students are looking for a safe ride home from downtown.

Playing the taxi lottery, they jump into the cab and pray the driver isn’t crazy.

Only some get lucky.

However, thanks to the re-emergence of a student-run shuttle service, WatchDawgs, we can all be winners.

Under the new name Designated Dawgs, the organization promises guilt and question-free rides home for no charge.

The Red & Black editorial board applauds the UGA Parents and Families Association for recognizing the importance of this organization and choosing to financially support it.

Because of its first step, campus organizations have offered help, and we hope others follow suit.

DUIs remain one of the most prevalent public health concerns for college-age adults, according to a study by San Diego State University. The research found one quarter of college students engage in the dangerous practice of driving under the influence, despite police crackdowns.

While these students should choose to pay for a cab home, many try to drive home to save a buck. (And then pay $5,000 to $20,000 in addition to 24 soul-stealing hours in jail).

Now they can call Designated Dawgs, instead. The organization offers help to students who want to make the right decision and not drive home drunk, thus risking the lives of the drunk and the sober. We think that is something everyone should support.

This shows the University community is committed to the safety its students – in ways beyond handcuffs and paddywagons.

The recent donation will run out in December 2010. We hope by that time, the University administration realizes what an important purpose Designated Dawgs serves, and chooses to fund it in the future.

- Caitlin Byrnes for the editorial board