On a normal day, unsafe driving would be last thing UAPD would encourage students to do.
But activities on the UA Mall Wednesday included students crashing through safety cones as a part of the Spring Break Safety Fair. The University of Arizona Police Department and the Associated Students of the University of Arizona hosted the fair, funded by the Dean of Students Office, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to promote student safety during spring break. Joe Bermudez, a crime prevention officer with UAPD, helped organize the fair with ASUA.
“We hope students take the information that they’re given here and use that to have a good time and stay safe,” Bermudez said.
Giveaway items like food, sunscreen and sunglasses encouraged students to check out various resource tables as live music played. Groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, UAPD and UA SafeCats placed a focus on the consequences of drug and alcohol use, as well as personal safety.
Campus Health Service provided an alcohol screening test, where students answered questions about their drinking behaviors. Participants were then asked to put on “beer goggles” and drive golf carts through a special driving course two times to simulate impairment. Many students said they were surprised by their performance on their second run through.
The Women’s Resource Center, Campus Health’s pharmacy and the Oasis Program, a resource center for students impacted by sexual assault and relationship violence, also provided information and resources for students. The Sarver Heart Center gave CPR demonstrations while the University of Arizona Medical Center displayed information about ATV safety and the dangers of texting while driving. Several groups emphasized the importance of other preventative measures, such as sunscreen use.
Representatives from several booths asked students about their spring break plans, including Campus Health, which displayed a sheet for students to write their plans down.
At the Pride Alliance booth, Greg Daniels, an intern for LGBTQ Affairs and a public health junior, handed out free condoms and information about the organization.
“I think student partying is as bad as the stereotypes say.” Daniels said. “Actually, I know it is.”
Health advocates had students sign a pledge to be safe during the break and provided information about safe traveling and break activities, tailoring their health and safety advice to be relevant to students’ spring break plans. Bermudez had some advice for students planning on traveling and partying during spring break.
“Be responsible and be aware, travel in groups, know your surroundings and emergency contact numbers, “ he said.