‘Get a ride’ posters new IU bus feature

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 34 percent of the 938 traffic fatalities in Indiana in 2005 were alcohol-related.\nOf all adults placed on probation in Monroe County during 2006, 37 percent were convicted of impaired driving, according to a press release from the mayor’s office. Of those, 12 percent were involved in a crash and 28 percent were repeat drunk driving offenders. \nMonroe County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Gaal said these statistics are unacceptable.\nGaal announced his “Get a Ride!” Campaign today at a press conference in city hall with Mayor Mark Kruzan, IU Dean of Students Dick McKaig and Ivy Tech-Bloomington Chancellor John Whikehart.\nThe public safety initiative will put posters with the “Get a Ride!” logo on 10 Bloomington city buses, all IU campus buses and flyers and cards will be distributed in the city and at both campuses, according to a press release from Kruzan’s office.\nGaal said it is important to let everyone know the alternatives to driving after drinking, pointing out the city’s bus system and Bloomington’s cab services.