DESIGNATEDDAWGS
60,478 LIVES SAVED
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Designated Dawgs' stance on alcohol?
How can you say you are not encouraging drinking?
Does Designated Dawgs turn in underage drinkers?
Why doesn't Designated Dawgs record personal information about patrons?
What is your relationship with the police?
Do you limit your service to students?
Does the University support Designated Dawgs?
Does Designated Dawgs take any action if people use the services frequently?
Why is Designated Dawgs essential to the ACC community?
Who provides the vehicles that Designated Dawgs uses, and how are they insured?
Who are the major sources of funding/sponsorship for Designated Dawgs?
What is Designated Dawgs’ stance on alcohol use among college students?
Designated Dawgs is a nonjudgmental organization. However, we do not encourage underage or irresponsible drinking. We believe that it is ultimately the student’s choice whether or not to drink. We maintain that those who chose to drink should do so in a responsible manner and that they NEVER drink and drive.
How can you say that you are not encouraging drinking?
First and foremost, Designated Dawgs does not provide service solely to intoxicated riders. We are here for the safety of the entire UGA and ACC community. Whether a student is coming from late-night study session, or finds himself in an uncomfortable situation and needs to get home, his safety is our top priority. Second, we do not drive riders to any downtown establishments, including restaurants, hotels and bars, or to parties. We are here as a safe ride home only. Furthermore, we acknowledge that Athens is a college town in which there will undoubtedly be a high level of alcohol consumption whether or not Designated Dawgs is in existence. We prefer that people who have chosen to drink call Designated Dawgs for safe transportation home rather than getting behind the wheel of a car and potentially endangering themselves and others in the ACC community.
Does Designated Dawgs turn in underage drinkers?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! If students believe that we turn in underage drinkers, Designated Dawgs will have a bad reputation in the UGA community. Therefore, we never question a rider’s age. We are concerned for the safety of the community and are not attempting to police students’ decisions or actions.
Why doesn’t Designated Dawgs’ record personal information of patrons?
We believe Designated Dawgs’ riders have the right to anonymity and a nonjudgmental ride home. Obtaining any documentation of name and age from patrons could make them uncomfortable and may discourage them from using Designated Dawgs in the future. A rider is only required to give a name to keep track of the groups on the waiting list. In fact, you can provide a fake name. Some of our personal favorites include “Ricky Bobby” and “Jesus.” Another time information may be required is if a rider is picked up from a location other than downtown. In this case, a cell phone number will be required to contact riders when the Designated Dawgs vehicle arrives.
What is your relationship with the police?
Designated Dawgs has a very positive relationship with the ACC Police. They completely support our mission and our choice to provide anonymous rides. They do not become involved with patrons waiting for rides as long as the potential riders are not acting violently or causing trouble. In fact, it is not uncommon for a police officer to direct potential riders to use our services.
Do you limit your service to students?
No. As long as the patron is respectful to our drivers then we will provide a free ride. Designated Dawgs’ primary concern is to keep the roads of this community safe. However, most of our advertising is geared toward students, so they make up the biggest percentage of riders. It is important to note that if a volunteer feels that his or her safety may be threatened, he or she has the right to refuse a ride. Please see the page “Riding Rules” for more information about this.
Does the University support Designated Dawgs?
Designated Dawgs was recently re-approved as a student organization after three years of being unaffiliated with UGA. However, Designated Dawgs does not receive any support or funding from the UGA administration. Other UGA affiliated groups, such as the UGA Parents and Family Association and the UGA Alumni Association, have provided support for the organization.
Does Designated Dawgs take any action if a student uses the service frequently?
No, Designated Dawgs does not pass judgment on any riders or non-riders. Rather, we applaud frequent riders for choosing our services instead of endangering others on the road if they were to choose to drive while intoxicated. If a rider has some sort of problems related to alcoholism, we are not professionals trained to help him or her with their problem. In this case, the rider should seek help from the UGA Health Center or an appropriate medical center.
Why is Designated Dawgs essential to the ACC community?
Drunken driving is a nonbiased killer. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, in 2004 there were 525 alcohol-related motor vehicle fatalities in the state of Georgia. This represented 32percent of total motor vehicle fatalities in 2004. Both of these numbers have increased from the previous year. Furthermore, according to University Police, there were 134 alcohol-related accidents at the University of Georgia in 2004. Since Designated Dawgs’ beginning in 2001, we have given nearly 60,000 rides. This large number has undoubtedly made a positive impact on the community.
Who provides the vehicles that Designated Dawgs uses, and how are they insured?
Designated Dawgs’ vehicles are provided by Enterprise® Rent-A-Car. We use up to five vehicles per night. Insurance is purchased through Enterprise to protect both the vehicles and the passengers.
Who are the major sources of funding/sponsorships for Designated Dawgs?
Designated Dawgs’ sponsors for 2008 included UGA Parents and Family Association, Leon Farmer & Co., Enterprise® Rent-A-Car, Landmark Properties, Office Max, Papa John’s, The Last Resort Grille, Chick-fil-A, Buffalo’s Southwest Café, Smoothie King, Subway, Doc Chey’s and Barberito’s. We are always searching for local and national businesses that wish to lend their support to our mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Copyright 2008