Celebrate race weekend safely

Little 500 weekend has been called the "greatest college weekend of all time." It's earned this name for good reason, because the week leading up to the men's and women's races is filled with partying. Little 500 is one of IU's claims to fame. Students, alumni -- everyone -- come to Bloomington to partake in the festivities. \nBut the weekend is about more than alcohol, something some students lose sight of at this time of year. It's about enjoying the race and cheering on students who have spent all year training. It's also a chance to spend time with friends before the end of the semester. \nIf you do drink, do so in moderation. IU cannot afford to lose another student to irresponsible drinking. Injuries and rape are just two of the many consequences out-of-control partying can lead to.\nLittle 500 is a weekend designed to be fun, and being cited, arrested or worse takes away from what it is meant to be.\nBloomington Police Department will have 20 extra police officers patrolling for house parties during the weekend. They also plan to continue with their "Quiet Nights" initiative, which is a local policy to keep neighborhood parties from getting out of hand. BPD will visit a party after the first noise violation is reported instead of waiting for more calls. Police also said they will continue to watch for illegal consumption and be ready to cite violators for public intoxication.\nIf you're not 21, don't try going to the bars. Some will be bringing in additional carders with experience catching fake IDs, and servers and bartenders have been told to watch out for underage drinkers inside, too. This is a risk not worth taking this weekend.\nBefore you go out, arrange for one person in your group of friends to stay sober and act as a designated driver. Some of the bars will be having designated driver programs, offering free soft drinks to DDs. Or, take advantage of the services offered during the week to get home safely. \nStudents can take the Boost Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students Bus home. This bus will run during the weekend to offer transportation to people who have been drinking or just need a ride home. \nBesides the BACCHUS Bus, IU will run its late night shuttle Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. The service is free with a student ID, and maps of the route are available on the campus bus system Web site, www.iubus.indiana.edu. \nThe Little 500 is a tremendous tradition. This is the weekend many will remember for a long time. \nGo ahead and have fun; enjoy Little 500 and all that goes with it. But take Little 500 for what is: a great time to party, safely and responsibly.\nStaff Vote: 12-0-0