Drinking…but not driving

By Lyndi-Colleen Morgan

In an unscientific survey, respondents said they drink, but do not drive while under the influence of alcohol.

The survey was conducted for the MediaPlex to determine the alcohol consumption of individuals between the ages of 19 and 25.

The survey was completed by 39 students. Two of the respondents said they do not drink alcohol. The 37 who do drink said they would not drink and drive.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving fact sheet from 2010, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among people between the ages of 16 to 25.  As well, alcohol and other impairments are a factor in 55 per cent of these crashes.

“There are so many people involved in drinking driving accidents,” said David Calsavara, 20, a student at St. Clair College in the liberal arts programs. “Most of the time it is younger people[19 to 25 years old], who have other options than to drink and drive.”

Calsavara started drinking alcohol shortly before he was 19. He said although he does not drive, he would never get into a vehicle with someone who has been drinking.

“People should never get behind the wheel while they are impaired,” said Calsavara. “It not only puts the driver at risk but other pedestrians and other drivers at risk. People who are planning to drink should make a plan to get home safely or to crash where they may be drinking.”

Mackenzie, 23, who asked her last name not be used, is also a student at St. Clair College and is in the child and youth worker program. She said she knows people who drink and drive and some of her friends have died from accidents caused by drinking and driving.

“Some of my friends have died because they made the choice to drink and then drive,”said Mackenzie. “To know it could have been prevented is the saddest part. People should have a plan A and a plan B… they should even have a plan E because that could make the difference between them arriving home alive.”She said there are services like Uber and taxis available to those who need a ride home after a night of drinking.

The residence life coordinator for the St. Clair Residence and Conference Centre, Andrew Mackereth said the residence holds events during the year to teach students about advocating for themselves and partying safely.

This year the residence held a Rethink Your Drinking Event in collaboration with the Windsor and Essex County Health U

nit and recently held a Consent Week event from April 10 to 16. He said it is great to see students learning from the tools the residence and the college are providing them.

“Students took posters from the event and hung them where other students could see them…I think the message becomes more personal and influential when the students we are aiming the messages at start to spread the messages themselves,” said Mackereth.

Calsavara is also a member of the residence council that assists in these events and said he has seen improvement from students. He said they are learning about behaviours and the impact various actions can have on a person’s life, especially when it comes to being impaired.

“Paying $20 for a cab will mean a great deal more to the individual as opposed to a long time in jail or having to deal with the reality they hurt someone, all because of a choice they made while impaired,” said Calsavara.

Calsavara and Mackereth said the residence will continue to hold similar events in hopes students will continue to respond positively. More information can be found on the residence Facebook page.