Roeselare (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Young volunteers from Responsible Young Drivers in Roeselare provide free rides home on New Year’s Eve from midnight to 6 a.m. This year, only three volunteers showed up for driving tests. Jeroen Van Braeckel, 25, and new volunteer Kian Opsomer, 23, want to help prevent drunk driving.
Young volunteers from Responsible Young Drivers, aged 18 to 29, help people get home safely on New Year’s Eve for free from midnight to 6 a.m. Before they start, they take simple driving tests, which happened this year in Roeselare. Mars Frey Alvarez said many new volunteers have joined recently. These tests ensure they can drive different cars and do important maneuvers, which are needed for their job on New Year’s Eve.
Why are young volunteers in Roeselare decreasing for New Year’s Eve rides?
Interest in Roeselare is lower this year, with only three volunteers coming for driving tests. A spokesperson said, “Since the coronavirus crisis, it has become difficult to find young people. They seem to prefer partying or doing other things.” They want more volunteers and are asking young people to sign up to help on New Year’s Eve. Every year, they get many calls for help but can’t meet the demand, which increases the risk of drunk driving.
Jeroen Van Braeckel, 25, from Anzegem, is celebrating his third New Year’s Eve as a Responsible Young Driver in Roeselare. He enjoys helping others and thinks if he can prevent even one person from driving drunk, his aim will be fulfilled. Kian Opsomer, 23, from Ingelmunster, is joining for the first time and feels that drinking and driving is unacceptable. He doesn’t drink and wants to help those who do. Kian, who recently graduated, loves cars and is committed to safety on the road.
