Augusta U. Receives Grant To Fund Alcohol, Impaired Driving Prevention Programs
Federal sources provided the funds, which will support programs that teach students about the risks of driving under the influence.
Augusta University’s Office of Student Wellbeing has secured a renewed grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, ensuring the return of the Arrive Alive Tour to campus.
Image Courtesy Kayleigh Brown/Augusta UniversityAugusta University's Office of Student Wellbeing received a $15,800 grant renewal from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. The money will expand student participation in alcohol awareness and impaired driving prevention efforts. Federal sources provided the funds, which will support programs that teach students about the risks of driving under the influence.
"The overall purpose is to make sure students are informed of the risks of driving under the influence and feel prepared in settings where alcohol consumption may be present, along with ensuring that our programming opportunities educate students on how to keep themselves and others safe," said Morgan Davis, director of the Office of Student Wellbeing, according to Jagwire.
The money will continue to bring the Arrive Alive Tour to campus. Students learn through a driver simulator, watching an impact video, wearing impairment goggles, and receiving mock traffic tickets. The program teaches about the dangers and consequences of driving while drunk, distracted, or impaired.
Funding also supports tabling events with campus partners, including the Augusta University Police Department. Students can take part in hands-on activities such as a pedal kart obstacle course with vision impairment goggles, a mock field sobriety test, and a "Know Your Pour" activity that demonstrates proper serving sizes and alcohol content in common drinks.
The Office of Student Wellbeing helps students thrive in their personal lives and academics. Davis stressed that students need to know about their on-campus resources. They should know where to turn for support or help to ensure their safety and well-being.
"Innovative projects like this are designed with the intent for Georgia and our nation to reach the realistic goal of zero traffic deaths by the middle of this century," said Allen Poole, director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. "Each life saved on our roads is one less family that will have to live with the pain of losing a loved one whose life was taken from them in a traffic crash that was completely preventable."
The grant runs from Oct. 1, 2025, to Sept. 30, 2026. Davis shared that the office plans to keep reapplying. This ensures students have access to these learning opportunities.
