‘Arrive Alive’ tour shows Bethel students dangers of impaired driving
MCKENZIE, Tenn. — As college students prepare for their spring break plans, one university provides tips on how to stay safe while having fun.
The Tennessee Highway Safety Office sponsored the Arrive Alive tour for Bethel University.
Rachel Brooks with Bethel says that events like these helps with the end goal to keep students safe.
“We are here because the students are going on spring break next week, and we are asking them to commit to not to use substances during that time and not to drive distracted,” Brooks said.
Their driving depended on their overall performance while driving under the simulated influence of alcohol and THC, and also while driving while on their phone.
“Just simple things like speeding, swerving, driving below posted speed, driving on opposite sides of the road, driving off the road, collision, vehicle manslaughter is what we have on our tickets,” said traveling educator Shaquille Hill.
Both inside and outside of the Vera Low Center for Student Enrichment had educational options, informing students on the effects of different substances, and they were able to win prizes.
“And being in there, I’ve actually learned a lot, and this isn’t the first time they had these booths here,” said student Kayla Ohst. “I believe last semester they had did something like this and I attended, and it’s really nice to get the knowledge and get the treats too.”
Students like Ohst and others agreed the driving simulation was fun and informative.
“Don’t drink and drive, it’s bad for you,” said student Zorian Campbell. “I’ve seen it, it can get dangerous — I hit a house and a car.”
Each student that left the simulation all agreed it was harder to drive than normal.
“Anytime you whip the wheel back and forth around like that, even sober, it can cause problems,” Hill said. “But there is delay in the steering for the drunkness, also tunnel vision, and people that don’t drink are not use to those symptoms.”
Students should remember that friends don’t let friends drive drunk.
Bethel University is also a dry campus, and Brooks is hoping students remain “dry” and safe while on spring break.
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