Plan ahead for your spring bill
In early January, SigEp will send out the Spring Liability Insurance bill. The per-member fee and chapter base fee will remain the same at $130 per member and a $550 base fee (SECs less than two years old are billed at half the rate of the per-man and base fees). Fortunately, the premium rate has not risen for four years. We also want to take the opportunity to thank all of our chapters for paying their fall bill in a timely manner. As of November 21, 2011, we have collected over 97 percent!

Always designate a sober driver
Designated driver programs are a smart choice for preventing people from driving while intoxicated. However, chapters need to consider some of the liability implications associated with sponsoring such programs. Chapters do not want to be seen as promoting a platform for unsafe drinking. However, it is responsible to provide safe options for transportation to and from chapter sponsored events.

Chapters should not single out new members to handle this responsibility, since this creates an environment of servitude which is unacceptable. Also, when you assign someone to drive, you should know that the driver has a valid license, a good driving record, adequate insurance coverage, a car that is safe and in good condition, can handle the distraction of a car full of people, and is willing to commit to remaining 100 percent sober. This can be a challenge. Statistics show that male drivers between the ages of 16 and 25 are the highest risk group. Auto accidents are the second highest cause of fraternity tragedies, with alcohol playing a role in many of these accidents.

SigEp recommends that chapters use professional, public transportation if at all possible, such as taxis, shuttles, buses, and campus safe ride programs. The chapter may want to print wallet-sized cards with taxi service numbers. If this service is not readily available, then the chapter can organize a VOLUNTARY program where members volunteer to stay sober and provide rides and distribute their numbers to the members.

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