University students can anticipate renewed attention to the problem of drinking and driving when Virginia launches a new statewide campaign and local police programs take effect.
Under the new plan, Virginia will step up its sobriety checkpoints and publicity efforts to deter drunken driving. A $530,000 federal grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will help pay for radio advertisements that target listeners 21 to 35 years old.
The ads began playing yesterday in advance of the approaching Labor Day weekend -- an occasion that has proved to be one of the heaviest drinking holidays.
The sobriety checkpoints, initiated July 1, will continue alongside the ad campaign until Jan. 4.
Susan Bruce, director of the University's Center for Alcohol and Substance Education, said that in addition to these statewide efforts, University police will bolster their own attack on drunken driving with funding from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
The grant money is intended to "promote responsibility and enforce Virginia drinking laws," said ABC Director Becky Gettings. This could include guest speakers and increased monitoring of fake identification card use.
Bruce said she feels such efforts could be successful if they send the appropriate message to students.
"I think the campaigns that are most effective remind people of what they already know is right rather than scaring them into what they should be doing," Bruce said.
Drunken driving continues to be problematic among University students, she added. Twenty-two students were arrested in 2001 for drunken driving, an increase from 11 students arrested in 2000.
"One arrest is too many," she said. "However, most students here don't drink and drive."
According to a survey conducted by the University's Department of Psychiatric Medicine, almost 82 percent of students don't drive under the influence of alcohol.
"Still, that 18 percent disturbs us," Bruce said.
Through the Designated Driver Service sponsored by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team, the University also will continue its ongoing effort to prevent drinking and driving.
The program encourages students to take advantage of the free soda policy offered by restaurants and bars on the Corner for patrons identified as designated drivers. The Yellow Cab service, which charges taxi rides to the school and allows students to pay back on their honor, is another component of the program.
"We advocate responsible drinking," ADAPT chair Jenny Murrill said. "If you've been drinking, remember there's always some other way to get home."
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