By Carrie Russell
Guest Writer
When students enter the Toner Student Center during the lunch hour March 16, they will be greeted by a variety of activities as part of Saint Mary’s University’s annual Safe and Sober Day.
Safe and Sober Day is intended to bring awareness to and educate students on the effects of binge drinking and driving while impaired.
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Officer Kevin Kearney, community liaison officer with the Winona Police Department, will promote alcohol awareness by offering students simulation experiences of excessive alcohol use and the effects it has on a body.
A Mothers Against Drunk Driving crash vehicle will be in the plaza to alert the SMU community of the dangers of drinking and driving. Red ribbons will be handed out to raise awareness and demonstrate a pledge never to drink and drive.
SMU’s student population scored above the national average in a Core Alcohol and Drug Survey conducted by the SIUC/Core Institute.
When students were asked if they had participated in binge drinking in the previous two weeks, the results indicated 59 percent of students admitted to binging, compared to the national average of about 46 percent. The same survey revealed that 93 percent of male students and 83 percent of female students at SMU said they saw drinking as central to their social life.
Students were also questioned on the reasons why they use alcohol. Some of the main reasons given were that it gives people something to do, breaks the ice, enhances social activity, is something to talk about and facilitates a connection with peers.
The SMU community is working hard to lower these numbers through events such as Safe and Sober Day.
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