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Northeast hosts event to showcase dangers of drinking and driving

Northeast hosts event to showcase dangers of drinking and driving

NORFOLK, Neb. - Researchers estimate that over 1,500 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor-vehicle crashes. Additionally, 696,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking. Statistics such as these are the basis for an annual interactive event that highlight such dangers to students at Northeast Community College.

Hawksoberfest, previously known as Sober in October, featured several areas that allowed students to participate or learn more by participating in a “standard drinking quiz,” take a ride on the Nebraska State Patrol’s seatbelt convincer sled or drive a golf cart on a simulated drunk driving course using Fatal Vision® Goggles, which impair an individual’s physical capabilities, including balance and equilibrium, reaction time, judgment, and targeting. 

“This event is designed to educate students on the dangers of binge drinking and driving under the influence,” said Carissa Kollath, director of student activities. “Many faculty members bring their students out to take part in this educational experience. We want students to come away better informed on such dangers.”

Students in Northeast’s criminal justice program conducted filed sobriety tests, a representative from Midwest Health was on hand with information on suicide prevention while the campus advocate for Bright Horizons provided resources for victims of domestic violence/sexual assault.

This is the 13th year for the Northeast event. Free t-shirts and tire gauges were given to every student who attended along with educational take-home information and refreshments.

Hawksoberfest, sponsored by the Northeast Student Activities Council, Alcohol and Other Drugs Committee and Healthy Hawks, was held in the College’s Chuck M. Pohlman Agriculture Complex.

 

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                                                                PHOTO CUTLINE 

 

A Northeast Community College student walks a straight line during the College’s Hawksoberfest at the Chuck M. Pohlman Agriculture Complex recently. It was one of several interactive events held during the 13th annual event. “This event is designed to educate students on the dangers of binge drinking, and driving under the influence,” said Carissa Kollath, director of student activities.