Ideas for Promoting Safe Driving

• Host a seat belt check in a key parking lot on campus. You can hand out Smarties to those wearing their seat belt and Dum Dums to those not wearing their seatbelt, with an education reminder.

• Distribute “parking tickets.” Develop “parking tickets” with tips for safe driving and place them on windshields throughout campus. Be sure to coordinate clean up efforts for those tickets that fall to the ground – your Grounds crew will be appreciate it!

• Encourage pledges to drive safe and sober. Be sure to give students a copy of their pledge card to keep in their wallet. The card can include safe driving tips such as choosing a sober designated driver, getting enough sleep, reminder to finish texting and phone conversations before starting the car, and the number for the local cab or shuttle for a safe ride home.

• Create a cereal box campaign to raise awareness. Click here for more information on this fun and innovative educational campaign.

• Coordinate efforts with your campus and community safety and law enforcement offices.

• Post newsletters in campus restrooms with tips for preventing traffic crashes and getting enough sleep. Known as “Toilet Talk”, “Bladder Chatter” and “Stall Stories”, these quick reads are the perfect education tool…because, after all, you might as well read something!

• Host a “Did You Know” Challenge at an awareness table in key areas of campus. Challenge students, as well as staff and faculty, on the key steps they can take to prevent traffic crashes.

• Hang door hangers in residence halls, Greek houses and in other key areas of campus promoting safe driving. As always, be sure to coordinate your efforts with the other student leaders and staff in these areas.

• Mix mocktails and serve with a healthy dose of tips for safe driving!

• Collaborate with your campus safety office and local law enforcement offices. Let them know about your activities on campus and ask them for support. Perhaps you can host a “safety check point” on campus to remind drivers about seat belts, driving without distractions (including cell phones and texting), speed, and impaired driving.

• Coordinate with local restaurants, bars, and clubs in your community. If these establishments are not already doing so, encourage them to offer free soda and/or appetizers to designated drivers.

Safe Driving Tips

• Always wear your seat belt. The shortest trips are just as likely to result in a crash as longer drives.

• Be sure to get enough sleep. This will make you a better driver and more alert when you reach your destination. Consider alternating driving with a friend if you are on a road trip. To find out your magic number, visit http://www.sleepfoundation.org and click on “Tools and Quizzes”

• If you are the designated driver, remember that sober means no alcohol (as well as not using other substances that can alter your driving ability, including marijuana).

• If you choose to drink, determine your safe ride home before you drink. This ride may include a sober driver who is not drinking or the phone number and money for a cab ride home.

• If you choose to drink, remember to take care of yourself. Alternate alcoholic beverages with water, eat before and during socializing, and always leave with the people you came with. For more tips on responsible drinking, visit http://www.bacchusnetwork.org/strategies-to-prevent.asp.

• Finish your conversations and texting before starting the car. Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds is enough time for conditions to change and a crash to result.

• Before starting on a road trip, be sure your car is up to date on all of its safety and maintenance requirements (lights and wiper blades working; tires properly inflated; check fluid levels, belts and hoses; etc.).

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