Safety Escort System must provide rides at all times

We would like to express our severe discontent with the safety system at IU. The Safety Escort System is inefficient and unreliable at best. On several occasions, we have discovered holes in the system. For example, we, along with four friends, were out one night around 11 p.m. and were far from our homes. Remembering all the warnings from our mothers, we decided it would be best to utilize the Safety Escort. We noticed a blue emergency box and called 855-SAFE for a ride. The operator for the service informed us that a group of three or more was considered "safe" and suggested that we walk alone. We were pleased to find out that strangers do not attack groups of three or more. Left with no other option, we began to walk. But because of the fact that we did not all live in the same area, we were forced to split up. And then there were two. \nIt is ludicrous to think that college students who feel unsafe are denied an escort, when the sole purpose of the service is to give students a ride to avoid unsafe situations. This problem can be easily fixed by providing rides to anyone who feels unsafe. This does not cost any more money for the University and avoids the risk of an attack. We can assure you that we are not the only people on this campus who feel this way. By printing this in the IDS, hopefully more attention will be brought to this serious matter and a solution can be reached. It should not take a tragedy to change the system.