Campaign designed to help students become safer drivers

Partners in Prevention, a coalition of the 12 publicly funded universities in Missouri, launches its Drive Safe/Drive Smart campaign today through Friday.

Southeast Missouri State University participates in educating college students on the dangers of drowsy driving, inattentive driving, aggressive driving, speeding and drinking and driving. The campaign is funded through a Missouri Department of Transportation grant.

Information tables will distribute educational materials on safe-driving tips, seat-belt facts, CD and cell phone usage and crash safety, said Kevin Stewart with The Center of Health and Counseling. Students can sign pledge cards that will be entered into a raffle Friday for parking upgrades, an emergency car kit and Redhawk memorabilia. The pledge cards will also be entered into a state raffle that includes AAA memberships as prizes.

Along with the campaign, the information tables will collect donations for local families affected by the hurricane, Stewart said.

Additionally, a graduate assistant will approach businesses to participate in the university's Cheers program and to sign up for online server training that is supported by the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.

Southeast will hold Alcohol Awareness Week Sept. 19 to 23.