WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsTragedy leads to Teen Safe Rides

WAUNAKEE (WKOW)-- Two years ago, two Waunakee teenagers died in a drunk driving accident.

Within the year-- their grieving parents started a program that could have saved their daughter's lives.

The Bongiovanis' dedication to keeping teens safe, makes them January's Jefferson Award recipients, and this week's 'Someone You Should Know.'

"Her senior pictures were attached to the thank you notes from her funeral," said Rose.

Sierra Bongiovani and her best friend Michele Koster died November 10th, 2007. The teens died in a car crash. Both were drunk. Sierra was driving.

"We had to do something," said Rose. "I didn't want those two girls to die in vain. Something good had to come out of this."

Sierra's parents knew they couldn't let other parents go through the pain they did.

"The one thing, a goal we had, is to not let anyone forget, because the second they forget about these two girls it opens the door for another tragedy," said David.

phone rings "Hello, Teen Safe Rides," said David.

David and Rose Bongiovani started the Sierra Bongiovani and Michele Koster Memorial Safe Ride Program.

"Alright, they will be there in just a little bit," said David.

The team of volunteers work Friday and Saturday nights. Teens from Waunakee call between 10pm and 2am for a ride home. No questions asked. It's completely confidential.

"Most of the kids who call are impaired," said Rose. "But there are those kids who just need a safe ride home because my car broke down or my date has gone bad or my favorite, can you come get me because my dad is too drunk."

An adult fields the calls. David is tonight's dispatcher.

"Do I condone it? No, I don't," said David. "But what are you going to do except provide a safe means of transportation."

Most of the nearly 50 volunteers are teens themselves, like Allyson and Brandon. One is the driver; the other navigator.

"Everybody needs to wear their seat belts when they are in the car," said David.

Since it began in August of 2008, the program has given 558 teens a safe ride home.

"And, if you have questions with directions just call me or you have maps in the bag here along with a first aid kit and a flashlight," said David.

Even though David and Rose relive their pain each and every time they talk about the accident or when they help get a teen home safe, they are just glad something good can come out something so tragic.

"Sierra and Michele, that very late, cold November night, they made the wrong choice by getting into their car and trying to drive home," said Rose. "But the Waunakee teens are making the right choice now, they are using the program."

The Bongiovani's work closely with the Sun Prairie teen safe ride program as well.

They can only keep both the programs going if they get more volunteers and donations to pay for things like background checks and gas.

Click here to learn more on how you can volunteer or donate to the Waunakee Teen Safe Rides program.

Click here to learn more on how you can volunteer or donate to the Sun Prairie Teen Safe Rides program.