DUI Prevention Program Addresses Safety, Confidentiality
April 15, 2024
It's the early hours of the morning. You drove your friends to a bar, and now you've had one too many to drink. How do you get home safely?
Now, there's an easy answer: Safe Ride Solutions.
Safe Ride Solutions was created in 2006 after the San Diego Chargers tested out a pilot program to help reduce the number of off-the-field problems players were experiencing in social settings. After its success, security consultant Gary Lawrence, who initiated the program, teamed up with Pro Bowl fullback Lorenzo Neal and businessman Matt Mahoney to expand the service nationwide.
Now available in 16 U.S. cities, the program has been tailored to nine NFL clubs and is also used by professional athletes in other sports. It not only helps prevent DUIs and protect players, in a professional and confidential way, but it also protects citizens in their communities.
"We are in business to get our clients home safe," said Lawrence, Safe Ride's CEO, "no matter who it may be-a player, coach or club employee."
NFLPA President Kevin Mawae supports the program and said the union and Safe Ride Solutions are exploring options for the NFLPA to administer the program internally and on a league-wide basis. "The NFL Players Associationunderstands the importance of the social responsibility of our players," Mawae said, "and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with a program such as Safe Ride Solutions."
Safe Ride Solutions drivers are retired law enforcement officials and off-duty officers. The drivers must go through a stringent screening process administered by Safe Ride personnel. "We turn down more guys than we accept to make sure we have the right drivers," Lawrence said. "Because of our drivers' experience, they have the ability to analyze situations, which may mitigate any negative situations for our clients."
To request a driver, Safe Ride's clients call a toll-free number. The driver can drive the individual home in his own vehicle at the end of the night or provide driving services for an entire evening.
"Safe Ride allows our players to enjoy themselves," Mawae said, "while knowing they have an alternative mode of transportation if they find themselves in a situation where they cannot drive responsibly."
For more information on Safe Ride Solutions, or to become a client, go to www.saferidesolutions.net or contact Gary Lawrence at i[email protected]or 208-938-4500.
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