| SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois House of Representatives, Thursday, gave final approval to legislation that would reinstate the successful “Safe-Rides” program for teenagers seeking alternative transportation home after curfew on weekend nights.
By a 93-19-2 margin, Representative Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook) successfully advanced Senate Bill 1930, the “Safe Rides” bill in the House; nearly one month after Senator Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston) overwhelmingly passed the bill in the Senate.
“With overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers, we have attained a major victory in providing safer streets for everyone in our communities, especially teenagers,” Sen. Schoenberg said. “The Safe Rides program is a reliable, safe way home for young people who should not be driving a vehicle or riding in a car whose driver should not be driving.”
“Communities will now have the option to establish their own Side Rides program to protect their teens,” said Nekritz. “I appreciate the support of the General Assembly in recognizing the value of these types of programs.”
The “Safe Rides” Program began in 1981 when a group of concerned teenagers decided to do something to prevent the tragic loss of life cased by events brought on by teenagers drinking and driving, according to Jeff Brooks, Committee Chair of the Safe Rides Crew at New Trier High School. Nearly 200 student volunteers make up the crew, which has been operation for over 15 years and plays an integral part in the “Safe Rides” program in Northern Illinois.
In January 2008, the new Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) law bill prohibited drivers under the age of 18 to be on the road after 11:00PM on Fridays and Saturdays unless they are participating in school sponsored work-related activities. Consequently, “Safe-Rides” was forced to shut down upon the new GDL laws taking effect. “Safe-Rides”, a highly successful peer dispatch service operating under adult supervision, provides alternative transportation home for teenagers who may be impaired and who likely should not be driving. While area schools and law enforcement are and have been highly supportive of the program, it is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America, which provides the necessary liability insurance.
“This is a tremendous victory for teenagers and their families in our community and across the state,” Brooks said. “A safe ride home is a proven way to keep teens from a final, fatal mistake. Brooks estimated that on a typical night the program, serving New Trier Township, receives calls for 30 to 45 rides for the adult-supervised teen volunteer program.
Senate Bill 1930 now goes to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
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