ADVISORY/Texas A & M `Carpool' Program Wins Award From AAA Texas

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    EDITORS NOTE: Reporters and photographers are invited to cover a special awards presentation at the Texas A & M Student Government Banquet 7:30 p.m., May 2 at the Pebble Creek Country Club, 4500 Pebble Creek Pkwy, College Station, TX.

WHO:   Texas A & M University will accept a $1,000 check for placing 
       in the Drinking & Driving Prevention Awards competition
       conducted by AAA Texas.

WHAT:  Texas A & M won the award for developing the "Carpool" program.
       Carpool is a student-run emergency taxi service that helps 
       prevent students from driving after drinking.

WHEN:  Wednesday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: The Pebble Creek Country Club

    NEWSWORTHY POINTS:

--	Every year the university is saddened when students are involved in alcohol related accidents or criminal proceedings.
--	Carpool was conceived in November 1998 and went into operation Sept. 16, 1999. On Carpool's first night, volunteers gave 36 rides home to students who had been drinking.
--	Now, Carpool rarely gives fewer than 100 rides a night, and since its inception has helped more than 10,000 people get home safely.

    To address problems associated with drinking among college students, the College and University Drinking and Driving Prevention Award was developed four years ago. The award recognizes campus programs and activities that reduce drinking and driving to prevent alcohol or other drug use that can result in impaired driving.