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DrugScreening.org


 
Conn. Community at Odds Over Safe Rides Program
October 29, 2004

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News Summary

Plans to implement a Safe Rides program in Stamford, Conn., for intoxicated teens has caused controversy between students who support the pick-up service and officials who say it promotes underage drinking, the Stamford Advocate reported Oct. 25.

Stamford teenagers who are members of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), formerly Students Against Driving Drunk, have been pushing for the program since the July 10 death of Jason Lorenti, 19, a 2003 Stamford High School graduate who was killed in a drunk-driving crash.

While successful Safe Rides programs are running in Greenwich and Darien, Stamford officials are not as open to the concept.

"Safe Rides sounds like a good idea, but it isn't," said Gary Najarian-Alustiza, project director for the Connecticut Coalition to Stop Underage Drinking. "It's a way for youth to avoid dealing with parents."

He and other opponents of the program argue that it implies that the community accepts underage drinking and is encouraging it by providing the taxi service. Najarian-Alustiza added that the program could result in legal issues. For instance, drivers unaware of alcohol poisoning symptoms may drop off intoxicated teens at home without calling for medical help. He said there are also liability issues in the event of car accidents.

Opponents of the Safe Rides program would rather see SADD groups work towards eliminating underage drinking by educating parents, getting tough on illegal alcohol sales, and teaching students the dangers of drinking.

But SADD members say the approach is unrealistic. "We're facing reality," said Colleen Thomas, a 16-year-old Stamford High student and SADD member. "You can't stop underage drinking, so our goal is to stop kids from drinking and driving."

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