Dadds Addressing Drunk Driving, or D.A.D.D., is a new charitable organization that wants to address drinking and driving in a whole new way.
Co-founders John Butler and Will Wall have created the charity with what Butler calls the “fatherly approach.”
“Mothers will say ?do not drink.’ But, fathers will pull you aside and say ?if you are going to drink, don’t drive,’” says Butler.
Butler and Wall have started a plan, still in the works, to provide bus transportation to and from bars for free. The idea is to ensure that those too impaired to drive have alternative, free transportation, resulting in fewer DUI arrests and saving young adults from making life-altering mistakes.
The TBI reports that 720 DUI arrests were made in Rutherford County in 2007. Also, the number of DUI arrests has increased over the past three years.
According to Butler and Wall’s research, in 2007, Rutherford County made up 2.8 percent of the population in Tenn. Yet, the arrests for DUI within the county made up 4.6 percent of total DUI arrests in Tennessee.
“This is proof that Rutherford County has a drinking and driving problem,” says Butler, also a bail bondsman. “I see the problem first-hand and it is unfortunate.”
The plan is to provide a free, safe, fun ride for those who get on the bus. Though nothing is concrete yet, D.A.D.D. plans to run a bus that stops at MTSU, apartment complexes and bars in Murfreesboro. The hours of operation will be from 6 p.m. until 3 a.m.
Butler says he is not trying to deter drinking, but instead trying to encourage responsible drinking, which means: “Do not drive drunk.”
“We want MTSU students to graduate with a degree and a future not a degree and a record,” Butler urges.
Of course, funding for the free ride is what is needed to get it all in gear. D.A.D.D. is currently working on obtaining enough cash to get the project going, which is estimated now at $500,000. Butler and Wall are welcoming anyone who wants to get involved.
They hope beer and liquor companies will want to donate funds and in return get their product advertised on the bus.
“It sounds like a win-win situation to me. A free ride is great for students economically and less risky for everyone,” says MTSU student Mikel Law.
Another MTSU student, Nathan Carmack, adds, “The idea sounds like a great way to go out and have fun with friends without worries.”
Rebecca Purcell, a bartender at Gentleman Jim’s, adds, “Often, people do not make the best decisions when they are intoxicated. The bus could save people from making those bad decisions.”
Butler and Wall want to use the slogan, “Making a difference nightly” because as Butler explains, that is exactly what they intend to do.
“Murfreesboro police do an excellent job keeping the streets safe,” Butler also says. “We just want to help because one saved life makes a difference.”
For more information, call 496-0631 or 290-8358.
