The University of North Georgia recently received a $21,124 grant to participate in a program that addresses young adult driver crashes, injuries and fatalities.
The Georgia Young Adult Program from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety partners with colleges and universities throughout Georgia to reduce motor vehicle incidents. The grant is UNG's largest yet from the organization.
A news release from the university said the Georgia Young Adult Program at UNG coordinates events during Weeks of Welcome, National Collegiate Alcohol Education Week, Spirit Nights and Safe Spring Break Week.
Various activities and topics are offered through the program such as DUI simulators, knowing your blood-alcohol content and drinking responsibly.
"GOHS funding allows us to provide a structured approach to educating students on making smart decisions if they choose to consume alcohol and the dangers of getting behind the wheel of a car while under the influence," Meri-Leigh Smith, UNG associate director of Wellness and Health Promotion in Campus Recreation and Wellness, said.
The release from UNG said the program has proven to be successful with the use of strategies like peer education providing educational activities to schools, and encouraging schools to develop creative ways to reduce young adult crashes, injuries and fatalities in their communities.
"The Governor's Office of Highway Safety is working with all of our highway safety partners to reverse the increase in traffic deaths we have seen in the United States in the last two years, and the goal of this project is to prevent crashes and save lives on our roads," Allen Poole, GOHS director, said. "We ask everyone to join the mission of saving lives on our roads by driving the speed limit, wearing your seat belt, staying off the phone when driving, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”
The grant runs out of the office of Campus Recreation and Wellness and collaborates with offices across UNG's Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses. The grant year for the awards runs from Oct. 1, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2023.
