FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Dave Johnson holds up photos of wrecked cars to the students and administrators gathered in the University of Arkansas’ administration building. He reads from letters sent to him by UA students who have been affected by unsafe drivers. He then hands a check for $3,000 to Johnetta Cross Brazzell, vice chancellor for student affairs.

“In my mind,” said Johnson, instructor of economics at the University of Arkansas, “the least significant thing here today is the donation. What is more significant is where it comes from, and what is even more significant is what the Safe Ride program is all about.”

The $3,000 donation comes from the David R. Johnson II Memorial Inc., a nonprofit charitable corporation dedicated to raising awareness of safe driving principles with the goal of saving lives. David Johnson II was killed in a one-vehicle accident in Fayetteville in January 2004. The memorial group was founded by Johnson’s father, Dave Johnson, and he serves as the corporation’s president.

“We do three things,” Johnson said. “We put on a tennis day for underprivileged kids. We host an annual doubles tennis tournament, and we donate to Safe Ride. And I am happy to say that the program is making some really good strides.”

Safe Ride is a program of the Associated Student Government, started in 1999. Today the program is strongly supported and recently received a large donation from another charitable organization. The program makes a safe ride home available to students who find themselves in any uncomfortable or inconvenient situation. Rides are available between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m., Wednesday through Saturday.

Brazzell thanked Johnson for his support. “Our mission here is very clear,” she said. “We are dedicated to the education of our students, and Safe Ride is an important part of that effort.”

“I want to implore those involved to keep the momentum going for Safe Ride. Why?” Johnson asked, holding the photos in the air again. “Never forget why!”

“Safe Ride plays a vital part in keeping students safe at the University of Arkansas,” said Quinten Whiteside, president-elect of Associated Student Government. “This coming school year we will make sure that we keep the program moving forward, carrying the momentum from this year.”