USG encourages alcohol awareness

By TRACY WILSON
Collegian Staff Writer

The Undergraduate Student Government will be using the "jaws of life" to bring alcohol awareness to campus today.

As a part of USG's Alcohol Awareness Day, a staged drunk-driving accident will be on display between the Penn State Bookstore and the Grange Building from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., said fraternity Senator James Hornick.

Later this evening, the Association of Residence Hall Students and USG will co-sponsor a free dance party, "The USG Booty-Shaking Blowout," from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the University Club, featuring all-request music, said Town Senator Tom Donohoe.

"USG isn't pro or against alcohol, but (is) against irresponsible behavior, like drunk driving," Hornick said. "Important issues need to be dealt with from an awareness standpoint. Students should know the dangers."

At this afternoon's demonstration, some campus student leaders will be extricated from the car through the same procedure that would be used at the scene of an actual accident. Participants will include Council of Commonwealth Student Governments President Jon-Michael Roman, National Pan-Hellenic Council President Shawna Riley, and USG Town Senators Nicole Karl and Ed Dempsey, Hornick said.

This demonstration is effective because it serves as a visual representation of the risks and consequences involved with drunk driving, said Clifford Lutz, Penn State Police Services supervisor, who will be present at event.

Alpha Fire Co., 400 W. Beaver Ave., will provide personnel to help with the demonstration, said Steven Triebold, assistant fire chief.

Alcohol-related automobile accidents on campus have decreased during the past few years, Lutz said.

Thirty alcohol-related automobile accidents were reported on campus in 1997, but the rate had been in triple digits in past years, he said.

The decrease is due in part to public transportation on weekend nights and buses provided by fraternities and sororities to and from social functions, he said.

Because 50 percent of automobile deaths and injuries on U.S. highways each year are alcohol related, Lutz stressed the lifelong importance of the lesson of today's event.

"This doesn't just apply on campus," he said, "but nationwide."