It can be difficult at times to calculate the precise benefits of preventive measures. After all, if they're successful, you've prevented a particular behavior or act from taking place. Measuring something that didn't happen is an inexact science at best.

Consider the Hays Safe Ride service. Since June 2005, it's been providing free rides to anybody who calls between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night. No questions asked; no judgments rendered.

While anybody can use it, the service primarily is utilized by those choosing not to drink and drive.

The program, which was started by the Partnership for a Safer Community, has proven wildly successful. Recently, total ridership passed the 50,000 mark.

"It's a great collaborative effort between the university, local business and the city of Hays," said Ed Howell, director of Fort Hays State University Police. "Fifty-thousand rides is definitely a milestone."

We couldn't agree more. Because those 50,000 riders did not put themselves or others at risk by operating a vehicle when they shouldn't. The number of accidents that did not occur cannot be measured. Nor can the amount of law enforcement time saved by not having to pull over and process individuals for moving violations and/or drunk driving. Less property was damaged; fewer lives were lost.

Again, who knows the exact amount Safe Ride has saved the overall community? It almost is irrelevant, for as FHSU general counsel Todd Powell said: "It keeps people who aren't safe to drive off the street."

Safe Ride has the support of law enforcement as well as individual businesses. It deserves the gratitude of the entire population, for it benefits us all.

If you are ever in need of the service, remember Safe Ride's slogan: "If you can't walk a straight line, dial a straight line." The last four digits of the number run down the middle of your phone -- 621-2580.

Editorial by Patrick Lowry

plowry@dailynews.net