Who Can Help & How

Stricter alcohol laws reduce the number of students drunk driving.

Colleges in states with strong alcohol laws and serious enforcement had about half as many students driving after drinks compared to states with weaker law enforcement. When students know there are serious consequences such as high fines, license suspension, or mandatory classes, they are less likely to take the risk of driving after drinking. Stronger laws also send a clear message that drunk driving is dangerous and won't be tolerated. Colleges can work with local police to increase patrols around campus, especially on weekends and during big events, which helps catch unsafe drivers before someone gets hurt. By making the rules tougher and enforcing them consistently, communities can discourage students from drinking and driving and make campuses safer for everyone.

We need to:

• advocate for stricter policies
• support better enforcement of existing laws
• push for penalties that match the seriousness of drunk driving

Educating more students on the risks and realities of drunk driving is one of the best ways to minimize it happening. Education should be given to everyone but also specifically focused on high risk groups such as older students, off campus students, and sensation seekers. These prevention programs should also cover all drugs and not just alcohol since many of the risks of drunk driving are increased when other drugs are combined. Many students know drunk driving is dangerous, but they don't fully understand how alcohol affects their reaction time, judgement, and ability to make decisions. Schools can offer workshops, presentations, and awareness campaigns that explain the real consequences, including injuries, legal trouble, and even deaths. Hearing personal stories from people who have been affected by drunk driving can also make the message more powerful. When students learn the facts early and often, they are more likely to think twice before getting behind the wheel.