Last week we added a blog posts titled “Intervarsity may be enjoyed responsibly and with safe transport!!”. This public private partnership aimed at the upcoming intervarsity could be described as an excellent example of how cooperation could improve the safety of sports spectators on the roads.
The SADD/SAB Good Practice, “Responsible Drinking, & Drinking then Driving” Project, is being used to train 31 Peer Counsellors from NWU to assist to teach the other students about how to be more responsible if they do drink. This is to prevent physical and other damage to themselves and Society. (Peer Counsellors from Free State University were also trained earlier on, using the SADD Project.)
The Projects Theme is “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drink Then Drive,” and T- shirts, Wrist Bands and Bumper Stickers are being handed out to the students to emphasize this message. Posters, Fridge Magnets, Wallet sized Business Cards and Licence Disc’s that teach about “Units of Alcohol” and the “Drinking and Driving Rules” are being stuck up and handed out.
Education is important to teach about the effects of alcohol on driving skills, the relative strengths of different drinks and how this affects Blood and Breath Alcohol Levels, and learning about the slow elimination rates of alcohol. SADD’s program is a new concept in SA, and needs continued financial support.
Enforcement is important to be used with the education, so SADD congratulate the NWU for this Pilot Project, and hopes the other Universities will follow their example.
Road crashes are the leading cause of death and severe injuries in our young people, and alcohol is usually involved.
We all need to be proactive to stop these preventable crashes. Join Us!
Information made available by Caro Smit. Director SADD. www.sadd.org.za]
[Photo was taken before the Springbok v All Blacks Test, Bloemfontein]