There’s something very good happening on Buffalo State’s campus, and it just
happens to be B.A.D.D.
The college hosted its first annual Bengals Against Drunk Driving week, which will
culminate with tonight’s main event at 7:30 in the Burchfield Penney Art Center.
It will include a vigil for Erika Hoerner, the former Buffalo State student who was
killed by a drunk driver in February 2011.
Setting aside the week before spring break as a time to inform students about the
dangers of drunk driving is a great move by the college, although it’s too bad that it
took a tragedy to start this tradition.
Hopefully, B.A.D.D. week is not the first time students are learning that drunk
driving can be harmful. Some students may shrug off the message because they’ve
heard it before, but if it can reach just a few students and change their perspective
on driving while intoxicated, it is well worth the effort.
Next week, the majority of Buffalo State students will be home or on vacation,
enjoying a couple of drinks with friends and family during their time off. Spring
break is a great time to sit back and relax, but that doesn’t shed students from any
responsibility for their actions.
It’s important that students remain aware of their state, as well as others, especially
when it comes time for someone to get behind the wheel of a car.
Just because school is out of session doesn’t give students a pass on all
responsibility.
Spring break is a prime time for students to make drunken mistakes. If it’s an
alcohol-induced hookup, a night by the toilet or a stumble that leaves you with a
few bruises and bumps, it’s easy to laugh off the next day (or the one after that,
depending on how quickly you recover).
There is no laughing off an accident that involves drunk driving. Whether you
get in an accident, hurt yourself, a friend or others, or simply get a D.W.I., there
are ramifications for the present and the future if you get behind the wheel while
intoxicated.
The risk far outweighs the reward. Be safe, call a cab and have a fun break.