Thirsty Thursday has rolled around once again, kids, and we all know what that means. And while everyone would surely like to fend off the latest cold streak with $2 rails from Turtle or Cornerstone (ahem, only those of legal age of course), it’s important to keep safe.
courtesy of russianvodka.com
We’ve reminded you of the potential dangers at the bars before, and we sincerely hope you’ll take advantage of a hard-won Good Samaritan protocol: it allows underage students to call 911 when they fear a friend is in danger from excessive drinking without facing punishment, even though they must subsequently enroll in an alcohol education course.
But while our university enacted the informal protocol, the University System of Maryland’s policies prevent it from going on the books, which means the 12 other universities in the system don’t enjoy the same amnesty benefits.
At least other institutions in the region are following suit: George Washington University recently enacted a similar policy after the tragic death of an undergraduate student from alcohol poisoning last year.
And speaking of policies on alcohol: Metro train operators are automatically fired if they are caught using a cell phone while driving, but not if they are found under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Kytja Weir of the Washington Examiner reports: 
Under the new zero-tolerance policy on cellphone use, an operator will be fired on a first offense if caught using a cellphone while operating a bus or train.
An alcohol or drug violation, though, does not automatically translate to firing.
Under a collective bargaining agreement, Metro gives all operators who have been employed there at least six months a chance to undergo substance abuse treatment after a first violation. They are suspended for at least 30 days without pay and must attend rehabilitation. Employees are fired if referred to rehab a second time, according to the agency and the union. But the slate is wiped clean after several years and the cycle can begin again.
So, hope that makes you feel safe the next time you’re riding the Metro. Not to mention the fact that the transit agency has been responsible for 13 deaths and 80 injuries in the past four months.
If you decide to drive however, be careful of those country roads: despite popular belief, more Americans die on rural roads than on urban highways.
Have a safe weekend!
Quick hits:
- A Chinese news report about a Swedish city populated exclusively by sex-crazed lesbians brought the country’s internet to a grinding halt and swamped tourism bureaus with queries.
- Retail sales are on the rise for the first time in 14 months – happy shopping!