Student Perceptions of Driving Under the Influence and the Need for a Safe Ride Program
Ashley McJunkins, Mary Richard, Amir Bhochhibhoya
Driving under influence (DUI) is a serious concern on the roads for drivers and pedestrians. With the prevalence of binge drinking being highest among the college aged population, DUI is a serious concern in the university area that needs to be addressed. One of the programs that is getting widely popular on different campuses is Safe Ride program. A Safe Ride program provides alternative means of transportation by using taxis or volunteers to drive students to their homes when they are alcohol-impaired. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a perceived need for a Safe Ride program by Lander University students, and if a similar program would increase student’s feelings of safety in the community. The planned research will involve an online survey sent to Lander students via mass email. The survey will examine student’s perceptions of driving under the influence and the need for a Safe Ride program at Lander University. This study will also comprehend if students would in fact take advantage of this resource if given to them. All surveys will be collected anonymously with reporting only the aggregate form of results. Expected results and implications will be presented in the poster.
Ashley McJunkins, from Newberry SC, is a senior interdisciplinary studies major with a focus on health promotion and wellness and behavioral health . She is currently the president of Lander Miracle which raises funds and awareness for Prisma Health Children’s Hospital- Upstate. After graduating, Ashley aspires to attend graduate school for speech-language pathology.
Mary Richard, from Greenville, is a senior interdisciplinary studies major focused on health promotion and wellness and behavioral health. She is currently the finance director of Lander Miracle and an alumnae of Phi Mu Fraternity, where she held the positions of philanthropy chair and treasurer. After graduating, Mary plans to attend graduate school to become a Child Life Specialist.