Lucy MooreIn 2003, one person was killed or injured in an alcohol related traffic crash every 1.5 hours in the state of Missouri, according to statistics relating to the consequences of drunk driving on the C.H.E.E.R.S. Web site.
The Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) at Washington University has joined other Missouri universities by introducing a chapter of C.H.E.E.R.S., Creatively Helping to Establish and Ensure an Educated and Responsible Society. The program has been in operation for 16 years. Sponsored by the Missouri Transportation Department’s division of highway safety, C.H.E.E.R.S. primarily aims to increase the number of designated drivers in Missouri, thereby eliminating alcohol related accidents.
The Washington University programs will premier during National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, Oct. 15-21, said junior Amy Chen, the co-chair of the committee.
Designated drivers associated with C.H.E.E.R.S. are not allowed to imbibe alcohol and restaurants that corroborate with the different university chapters are working to provide complimentary non-alcoholic beverages to designated drivers.
Over 180 restaurants around Missouri, including Mississippi Nights, Mike Duffy’s Pub and Grill and Trainwreck Saloon are participating in the C.H.E.E.R.S. program.
As results show, these drinks seem to be enough of an incentive for students to become designated drivers.
Students are satisfied with the program’s mission.
“I do not drink but having worked on underage drinking issues in high school, I think this program is a great idea. It will show that businesses are concerned about the well-being of society, which can only help their rapport,” said Rachna Goel, 20, junior.
C.H.E.E.R.S. hopes that restaurants and bars may retain loyalty from customers while providing a service to the community.
An opposing perspective is provided by another student Edmund Fruchter, 20, senior who said, “Such a measure would probably have a negligible impact on one’s decision to become a designated driver. In my experience, such a role is decided upon before a group knows where or what they’re drinking.”
C.H.E.E.R.S. has not yet incorporated a designated driver service that picks up students from establishments.
“We would like to assess the effectiveness of the C.H.E.E.R.S. program before establishing other programs,” said Chen.