Norwich takes steps to prevent drunk driving

In response to the deadly car accident that took the life of Renee Robbins, Norwich President Richard Schneider brought together the university community to discuss how to avoid a future tragedy.

A meeting was held on Oct. 18 in the Shapiro Field House. The purpose was to "start thinking about what proactive steps we can take as individuals and as a university to deal with this issue," Schneider wrote in a memo sent to the Norwich community.

Administration hopes students will use Safe Rides, but students are skeptical.

"Students know about Safe Rides, but everyone is scared to use it because they think they will get in trouble if they are caught drinking," said Alex, a sophomore who requested anonymity. "A VAP is a student's biggest concern, I think everyone knows students are going to drink no matter what age."

Alex continued, "Students don't think about what they are doing when they are drunk and when they are trying to get a ride back to campus, they will hop in any car."

Students can receive a VAP on campus if found intoxicated, consuming alcohol or enabling a minor to drink alcohol.

According to the Norwich website, "Safe Rides is a program to get students back on campus who are experiencing problems in the community. There is no charge to students for this service."

Schneider gave his word that if students use Safe Rides, "Students will not receive a VAP." He said that "not one student has received a VAP while using Safe Rides."

Students say they've heard differently.

Tess, a freshman who requested anonymity, said, "I heard in the past that students used the Safe Rides and as soon as they got to campus they got vapped or questioned." And Alex said, "I heard students have received a VAP when returning to campus after using Safe Rides."

Students say they don't know enough about the program.

"Maybe they could make the information on Safe Rides a little more clear and give more details about how it works," said Tess. "Students are afraid of receiving a VAP."

Jessica Rosado, 21, a senior civil engineering major from Bronx County, N.Y., said, "They told us about it (Safe Rides) our freshman year and that was it. We didn't hear about it again. They used to send out papers in our mailboxes, flyers, magnets."

Rosado said, "I've been here four years and we don't really see any more advertising on it, just a few flyers here and there."

Schneider said Safe Rides is anonymous, and his main concern is getting (students) home safe. He wants students to use Safe Ride and feel safe doing it.

"No questions asked," said General Brigadier Michael Kelley. "Our focus is on your safety of getting back to campus."

According to Chuck Satterfield, a Northfield police officer, some students do use Safe Rides. "Some nights you will see 20 cars left at the Rustic."

Schneider said, "I cannot stress enough that our main concern is your safe return to Norwich."

Alex said, "Those are words students are going to take very seriously, what President Schneider said is important. Everyone is already afraid to use Safe Rides, but maybe this will take the fear away from some students."

"Maybe if Safe Rides was used, the car accident wouldn't have happened," said Tess.

Students report that the campus attitude has changed.

Nikki Leclair, 21, a senior biology major from Maine, said, "You see a lot of students helping students now, everyone is looking out for everyone's safety."

Tory Kethro, 18, a freshman criminal justice major from Barnstable, Mass., who was injured in the crash, said, "I want students to take this as a lesson, so it doesn't happen again."

But Safe Rides is not always available.

Kelley said, "Safe Rides is not available every weekend, it's only available on high-risk weekends." He said this may change and, "students can always call their Residential Life staff or call the Guard Room which is manned 24/7."

According to the memo from Schneider, "Safe Rides is currently in a reconstruction phase," although it is still running.

Safe Rides is available on Thursday until 1 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Wallet-sized cards are being created for students with numbers for Safe Rides, the Guard Room, Norwich counseling staff and residential life. These numbers will be available for students to contact at any time.

Norwich offers other programs to keep students safe. Hello Sunday Morning is a 45-day program students can sign up for to not drink for 45 days.

Tips for the Wick is students teaching students about the effects of alcohol, how to deal with intoxication and making sure students get back to their rooms safely.

More information about Safe Rides, to share ideas on how to keep students safe, or to ask any questions, contact Gail Mears at 485-2689.