The rising number of women caught driving under the influence of alcohol has led to the formulation of the “Pick Up Lines Initiative” in partnership with selected taxi stands and the Police.

Initiator Tanya Grey Jr told the Samoa Observer that her own experience of getting caught last year while driving under the influence was a major factor behind her decision to push for the initiative.

She said following her personal experience she decided to look further into the issue and how she could prevent others from getting caught in similar circumstances.

“Inevitably, going through the system and noticing the amount of driving under the influence, not only that, but the growing number of females driving under the influence after a night out,” she said.

“I found it quite alarming, especially when I questioned perhaps why they were willing to get behind the wheel and they just said they never really think of any other means or perhaps the services available may make them feel uncomfortable.”

As part of the initiative, the contact numbers of selected taxi stands will be put on cards that  will be distributed to nightclubs, bars and hotels who could then pass on to female patrons to give them the choice of catching a taxi home instead of driving.

On Tuesday Ms Grey met with the Police and they’ve agreed to support the initiative through the introduction of a course, which taxi stands could participate in order to be certified a “safe taxi”.

“I had a meeting with the Samoan Police Commissioner on Tuesday and we have come up with a way to discern which stands should be worthy of being printed,” she added.

“We came up with an idea that a course that will be facilitated by the Police and some other organisations will be enforced to qualify as a safe taxi.”

The Salvation Army has also been contacted with various other organisations, according to Ms Grey in a bid to also get them on board. 

“I've spoken to the Salvation Army and will contact a few other organizations to get them on board so most taxis will understand road safety and the safety and wellbeing of their passengers. 

“It is quite exciting to have the Police on board; it makes the card hold some kind of substance and accountability.”

Ms Grey hopes that the initiative will be up and running by July this year before the festive season kicks in at the end of 2021.

She added that the ultimate goal of the initiative is to enable people to realise that there are alternative transparent arrangements after a long night out, without having to risk getting caught or worse getting into an accident. 

“It should never be the first choice you make to get in your car under the influence and we need to make sure safety is always considered in all avenues hence the taxi training”.