Drunken Driving Victim Gives Free Rides
POSTED: 10:56 pm MST May 4, 2009
UPDATED: 9:20 am MST May 5, 2009
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Need a ride home after Cinco De Mayo celebrations? You can get one for free in Old Town Scottsdale.A Valley man's new organization aims to stop drunk driving by giving intoxicated drivers free rides home.It's called Got a ride? Got a choice."We're out to empower and enable people to make responsible choices around drinking and driving," founder Scott Studabaker said.Studabaker founded the organization as a way to honor his parents, Michael and Cynthia Studabaker, who were killed by a drunk driver in 2006.Studabaker was with them when a drunk driver hit them head-on as the family was on its way home from Ohio State football game during Labor Day weekend.Studabaker's parents died instantly."I was left broken and battered in the back seat," Scott said.The collision fractured his spine, severely damaged his internal organs, and broke of the architect's arms."There was a period of time when my family wasn't sure if I would make it or not," he said.He spent weeks in a coma before undergoing two years of physical rehabilitation.Now, he's hoping his group will prevent more people from experiencing what he has endured."Recently, I realized that's what I'm here for, it's too make that contribution, and make a difference, not only for my life, but for everyone else around me," he said.Studabaker got Last Call Drivers, Discount Cab,and other local car and cab companies to donate drivers to take revelers and their cars home from Old Town on Cinco De Mayo.Scott said nothing make up for the loss of his parents."I think of them everyday. It's smallest things I miss. It's the phone calls once a week, " he said.However, he said giving back has given a reason to go on."For me, I was given an opportunity to live life to the fullest," he said.To get a free ride Tuesday night, viewers can go the intersection of Third Avenue and Craftsman in Old Town.
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