Augusta University students participated in the annual Arrive Alive event, organized by the Office of Student Wellbeing and held before spring break to encourage safe decision-making, according to an April 2 announcement. The event aimed to raise awareness about the risks associated with impaired, distracted, and drunk driving.
The initiative matters as it seeks to reduce accidents and fatalities caused by impaired driving among young adults. With spring break approaching—a time when risky behaviors can increase—the university’s efforts focus on equipping students with knowledge and practical experience to make safer choices.
The event featured a range of activities supported by campus and community partners such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Augusta University Police Department (AUPD), and College Prevention Partnership. Students engaged with a high-tech simulator, watched an impact video, used impairment goggles, received mock traffic tickets, and navigated a pedal kart course while simulating intoxication levels. “A common misconception, especially when we’re younger, is that we think we’re the exception,” said Morgan Davis, director of Student Wellbeing. “People assume the consequences they hear about won’t happen to them, but impaired driving can affect anyone at any time. It’s not just dangerous for the driver; it puts everyone on the road at risk, and the impact on families and communities can last a lifetime.”
According to national data from 2023 cited during the event presentation by organizers: out of 40,901 traffic fatalities that year in the United States, approximately 12,429 (30%) were attributed to alcohol-impaired crashes. Justin Stowers, AUPD lieutenant who has witnessed these consequences firsthand through his work as a first responder said events like Arrive Alive are vital for educating students about making safer choices.
The AUPD also conducts DUI enforcement throughout the year; in 2025 these efforts led to 56 drug- or alcohol-related DUI cases reflecting ongoing prevention work within campus boundaries. Stowers encouraged students who may become impaired not to drive but instead plan ahead using ride-hailing services such as Uber or Lyft: “Don’t drink and drive no matter what,” he said.
First-year communications student Lilah Wilson described her experience navigating a pedal kart while wearing impairment goggles simulating high blood alcohol content: “I’m really glad that Arrive Alive comes to campus because it’s teaching us safety first…and shows us what could happen if someone did drink and drive.” As an Alpha Chi Omega member she intends continuing conversations around safe transportation options among peers.
Funding for Arrive Alive comes from an annually renewed grant from Georgia’s Governor’s Office of Highway Safety supporting expanded student engagement in alcohol awareness initiatives.
