by Bethel University
McKENZIE, Tenn. — Bethel University took a proactive approach to student safety by hosting the “Arrive Alive” team’s Safe & Sober Mock Spring Break event on February 26. The event, held in the Vera Low Center for Student Enrichment, successfully blended fun and critical education, strongly emphasizing the importance of sober, unimpaired driving.
The initiative was designed to raise awareness about the severe consequences of impaired driving while highlighting enjoyable, substance-free alternatives. Over 200 students attended the festive gathering, which featured non-alcoholic mocktails, snacks, and games ranging from UNO to cornhole. Community resources, including the Carroll County Health Department and WRAP (Women’s Resource and Rape Assistance Program), were also on hand to provide vital information on the impact of substances on everyday health.
"This event not only focused on bringing awareness to the consequences of driving impaired, but also highlighted alternative ways to have fun without additional substances," said Nikki Klopfenstein, JD, Title IX & Prevention Services Coordinator at Bethel University. "Knowing students walked away with an understanding that fun can be had and memories can be made without external stimulants, for me, this is how I measure success."
The centerpiece of the awareness campaign was UNITE’s Arrive Alive Tour®, the nation’s top-ranked drunk and distracted driving awareness event. It features a high-tech, state-of-the-art simulator—the first and only marijuana driving simulator in the country. This simulator allows participants to experience the real-life dangers of driving while distracted, drunk, or drugged, all without moving or being intoxicated, providing a safe but impactful lesson.
The need for continued education remains critical. In 2024, Tennessee saw 152,986 car accidents, with 65,783 involving drivers aged 16–25. Statistics show that young drivers (ages 16–20) are an alarming 17 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% compared to when they have not been drinking. Furthermore, teen drivers account for more than 14% of all distracted-driving accidents in the state.
Sponsors such as the Tennessee Highway Safety Office are partnering with UNITE to bring this life-changing event to college students, helping fulfill the Arrive Alive team's mission to educate drivers and foster lifelong safe driving habits. The event was enjoyed by students, faculty, and staff alike, while they learned important information about making safe decisions on the road.
Bethel University hosted the Arrive Alive team during their Safe & Sober Mock Spring Break on February 26 in the lobby of the Vera Low Center for Student Enrichment on the campus of Bethel University.