Drug Prevention Agency Partners with Snellville Police, Cop Cab

A Lawrenceville substance use and abuse prevention agency and the City of Snellville have teamed up in order to inform residents about the dangers of drunk driving.

The agency, Gwinnett United in Drug Education, Inc., or GUIDE, has partnered with the city’s Cop Cab program and police department in an effort to curb drinking and driving and the sale of alcohol to those under the age of 21.

GUIDE, which has been serving Gwinnett County since 1986, is designed to mobilize and equip the Gwinnett community with the information and strategies needed to promote positive youth development, improve community conditions and address other issues associated with substance use and abuse.

“At GUIDE, we are very excited about our new partnership with the city of Snellville and their Cop Cab program and look forward to working together for a safe and healthy Snellville,” said Mahuli Jakubek, GUIDE’s director of collaboration and environmental strategies. “We believe in Snellville’s Cop Cab mission to promote awareness of the dangers and consequences of drinking and driving and are very passionate about helping in this endeavor to prevent drivers from drinking and then getting behind the wheel. The latest research shows that alcohol damages the teenage brain, and, according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, alcohol affects attentiveness, quick decision making, and reaction to change that is required while driving.

“The Cop Cab program is a great reminder that our choices can make a big difference. Be aware of others at parties or restaurants, so that we can all assist those whose brain may be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs to make the right choice of not driving. We can’t do this alone. We need everyone in the community to help us create a safer place to live in. Together, we can make a difference.”

The Cop Cab, unveiled earlier this year, is painted like a taxi cab in the front and a police car in the back. The visual tool asks those who have too much to drink to “Choose your ride” – you can either take a ride home by calling a cab, or go to jail in a police car if you drive drunk.

Councilman Bobby Howard said it is an honor to have GUIDE as a partner in this mission of awareness and education of substance abuse.

“The Snellville Cop Cab has been well received throughout the city, county and state,” he said. “Our association with GUIDE, Inc. just reinforces the continuing goal of awareness and that ultimately you can make the choice not to drink and drive.”

For more information on GUIDE visit www.guideinc.org.

For more information on the Cop Cab visit www.facebook.com/SnellvilleCopCab.

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PHOTO CAPTION: From left, Snellville Police Department Chief Roy Whitehead, Mahuli Jakubek, GUIDE, Inc. director of collaboration and environmental strategies, Molly Vance, GUIDE, Inc. program specialist and Councilman Bobby Howard in front of the city’s Cop Cab.