FVSU's 'Be the Sober One' program picks up state grant

A Fort Valley State University program designed to encourage young adults to drink responsibly has picked up a $6,990 state grant.

The Office of Student Health and Counseling Services "Be the Sober One" program encourages students to use good judgment, always have a designated driver and to have fun as the sober one, a FVSU news release states.

The grant was awarded by the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety, the release said.

The state agency partners with colleges and universities through the Georgia Young Adult Program, which encourages the development of creative programs such as FVSU's program, the release stated.

"I believe the students at Fort Valley State University can help us achieve the goal of lowering driver crash, injury and facility rates statewide," GOHS Director Harris Blackwood said in the news release.

"Who better to address the challenges and dangers facing young adults than their peers? I'm confident these students can convince their peers to be safer, more conscientious drivers," he said.

To promote the program, Office of Student Health and Counseling Services and the university's Judicial Affairs Club are expected to offer in the spring a "Thriller on Wheels" event.

At the event, students, faculty and staff will be invited to ride through an obstacle course on a golf cart wearing goggles that simulate being impaired by alcohol, the release said.

A date for the event has not yet been set.

For more information, contact FVSU's Office of Student Health and Counseling Services at 478-822-1035.

This story was originally published November 23, 2015 at 3:46 PM with the headline "FVSU's 'Be the Sober One' program picks up state grant ."