Drunk Driving

There are several activities that can raise awareness about drunk driving in addition to those that can prevent it.  Most of projects described here incorporate strategies that have been researched and are proven to be effective in making measurable change.  The following list has a range of things that can be done with the help of students, campus and community police, campus faculty and staff, local government leaders, business owners and others. Tailor your efforts for your campus and community.

Here are some projects to consider…

Volunteer at a Sobriety Checkpoint - help police during lengthy enforcement activities by providing snacks, handing out literature or just being available to help where needed


Organize Law Enforcement Recognition Events -
students, campuses and community members officially recognize the work done by law enforcement in their efforts to keep the campus and community safe

Establish a Designated Driver Program - local businesses can offer incentives to sober drivers through the establishment of a Designated Driver program

Host a Candlelight Vigil - organize a holiday candlelight vigil to honor students or community members killed or injured by drunk drivers

Design DUI Presentation & Visuals to Raise Awareness - students design presentations that bring awareness to the costs caused by drunk driving in and around campus and encourage other students to make healthy choices

Clean Up the Community - assess the community that surrounds the campus and look at ways that the exposure to alcohol, alcohol advertising and drink prices can be minimized (eliminate drink specials, partner with local bars on server training, etc.)

Bring a Smart Car to Campus - advances in technology can keep drunk drivers from starting their engines.  Instead of a drunk driving simulator, students and campus leaders can showcase the technology that smart cars utilize to prevent drunk driving

Walk Like MADD - everyone can join MADD in its signature, fundraising walk and help support MADD’s efforts 

Promote or Improve Local Laws - students, faculty, community members and law enforcement can all join forces to promote awareness of or improved existing laws, or even seek new laws that will help keep the community and campus safer

Be a Court Monitor - trained volunteers are sent into court rooms to observe and compile data on DUI/DWI proceedings to help improve the criminal court system

DRUNK DRIVING:
2.1 million students between the ages of 18 and 24 drove under the influence of alcohol last year (Hingson et al., 2002).