Spring break message for students

By Eric Swedlund
Arizona daily star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 03.07.2006

University police have a simple message for students on spring break: "Stay Safe, Stay Smart & Stay Alive."

Dozens of resources were available on campus Monday during the second annual "Happy Hour" safety fair, including alcohol awareness activities, information on travel in Mexico and resources on sexual assault.

Among the 22 organizations in attendance were the Sonoran state police, U.S. Consulate, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Governor's Office of Highway Safety, the Southern Arizona DUI Task Force, Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault and Campus Health Services, said UAPD Officer Frank Romero, who organized the event.

Students who may be tempted to go a little wild during their week of freedom are advised to drink moderately if they choose to at all.

Natalie Crine, a 20-year-old sophomore, tested the "fatal vision" goggles for a golf cart cruise around the UA Mall.

"I didn't feel hitting anything. I thought I was in the cones, but apparently I kept hitting them," she said.

Tucson Police Sgt. Dave Leotaud said he's rarely seen anybody wearing the goggles execute the driving course flawlessly. The goggles simulate visual
impairment that accompanies a blood-alcohol level of 0.17 to 0.20 percent, well over the legal limit for extreme DUI.
Other alcohol awareness advice centered on proper hydration, especially in the sun.

Most students who drink are moderate drinkers and drinking excessively in a one-time situation creates an additional risk because they're consuming levels they're not used to, said Lynn Reyes, an alcohol- and other drug-prevention specialist with the Campus Health Service.

"Alcohol sometimes clouds judgment, and students do things they'll regret later on," she said. "Sexual health comes into play with alcohol."

Contact us at 480-227-7922.

This information is courtesy of http://www.azstarnet.com/