Augusta University Student Wellness Programs has received a $16,356 grant to participate in traffic safety measures that could save lives.

The grant was awarded by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS), with federal funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Student Wellness has earmarked the endowment to support its Young Adult Highway Safety Program, including, alcohol awareness and bringing the Arrive Alive Tour to campus.

“That tour brings a full-sized car that is a simulation for students to participate in. It gives them a learning opportunity that is so valuable, as the simulation will provide a ‘citation’ for any driving errors made during the experiment. Students can see the real impact that driving under the influence can have and the importance of abstaining from driving when they have consumed alcohol,” said Morgan Davis, AU’s student wellness coordinator.

In addition to DUI prevention programs like simulators, the GOHS Young Adult Highway Safety Program partners with colleges and universities throughout the state to host speakers and other educational events. Students are exposed to such programming during major campus events, Homecoming Week, National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, and more. Using peer education and other activities, schools are encouraged to develop creative, innovative techniques to reduce young adult crashes, injuries, and fatalities in their communities.

“Without the grant, we would not be able to have as many peer educators. They are the main ones who create ideas for our events. They research what other institutions are doing for their alcohol awareness programming and create similar events that are related to our campus. The funds with this grant allow us to have a full team of peer educators to provide as many programs for our students as we can,” said Davis.

The GOHS said it wants all its partners to “join the mission of saving lives.”

“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,” said Allen Poole, Governor’s Office of Highway Safety director.  “We ask everyone to help us achieve this 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 year for this award will be Oct. 1, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2023. Davis said Student Wellness plans to continue to reapply for the funds because it expands AU’s reach to students.

For more information on this and other grant programs, contact GOHS at 404-656-6996 or online.