PROJECT : ARRIVE ALIVE
Intervarsity between North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus) and University of the Free State
Weekend of 6-8 August 2010
Our aim with this project is to ensure sober students arriving in Bloemfontein – thereby reducing the number of drivers under the influence of alcohol during Intervarsity. The hope is that we will directly reduce the number of casualties as well as other incidents and accidents on the roads of South Africa during the course of Intervarsity 2010.
In 2010, it is the first year that this project will run for NWU-Pukke students driving through to Bloemfontein, after a very successful start-up with the UFS-Kovsie students driving to Potchefstroom in 2009. During the 2009 Intervarsity a “buddy” program was initiated in Potchefstroom that enabled students who were too intoxicated to drive, to simply call a pre-determined number for a safe trip home.
Additionally, Student Counselling Services and their Peer Educators ran awareness campaigns in conjunction with SADD (South Africa Against Drunk Driving) to instil the importance of not driving while under the influence, and Social Work Services organised a halfway stop in Wesselsbron to ensure compliance in a safe, fun and educating way. The Health Care Centre ran a Three day drug awareness campaign during the students lunch break: “My choice is clear voluntary testing & pledge to take responsibility for my life.”
The Details:
• The halfway stop venue is at the R719 and N1 crossing in Wesselsbron.
• The project will run on 6 August 2010 from 08:00 until 16:00.
• A pre-Intervarsity awareness campaign in Potchefstroom run via SOS’ Peer Counselors in conjunction with SADD.
• The Health Care Centre ran a Three day drug awareness campaign during the students lunch break: “My choice is clear voluntary testing & pledge to take responsibility for my life.”
• A halfway stop at Wesselsbron with a rest area, voluntary alcohol limit testing, refreshments and entertainment.
• The venue in Wesselsbron is across from the golf course, at the R719 and R34 crossing.
• An awareness campaign at the Wesselsbron Halfway Stop to inform students of the importance of being sober while driving.
• Survival packs – this will include coffee, sugar, plasters, condoms and an energy bar. The packets will also have a flyer/leaflet with emergency numbers of Bloemfontein that students can use should difficulties arise.
• Courtesy of the NWU Crisis Line students will also receive a whistle-key holder with the Crisis Line phone number.
• A R200-00 incentive to the first 200 drivers that stop at Wesselsbron and test sober, and to encourage the drivers to stay sober until their destination, Shell Ultra City, where sobriety will be confirmed.
• The many other students who also wish to use the service and test sober are rewarded with: First-Aid kits; CD’s; free water and energy drinks; T-shirts and caps, etc.
• A “Buddy” system on Friday, 6 August 2010 and Saturday, 7 August between 20:00-06:00 from the Bloemfontein Campus to Old Grey’s grounds – students will be able to call on fellow, responsible, sober students for transport if they are stranded or too intoxicated to drive.
The Contributors:
• the Free State and Wesselsbron Traffic Departments;
• Wesselsbron SAPD;
• SAB;
• Arrive Alive;
• Precision Safety Appliances;
• SADD (South Africans against Drunk Driving);
• VVA (Vrystaat Vroue in Aksie);
• and of course, the NWU and UFS.
[Info from Lenie Kotze, Social Services Potchefstroom Campus NWU]
