(WYMT) -As school districts and college campuses prepare for spring break, officials are urging students to practice safety first when it comes to break time fun.
Advocates say there are ways to have fun on spring break without being impaired, whether planning a beach trip or a mountain getaway.
“We know that scary things happen when it’s beautiful outside just because people are out and they’re doing things and they’re having fun. And we can appreciate that, but do so in a way that keeps you and others safe,” said Alex Otte, president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. “And we want people to enjoy this time, but to make sure that they do so in a safe way.”
Otte knows firsthand the dangers that being impaired can cause. She was hit by a boat when she was 13, suffering a traumatic brain injury, broken neck and losing her right leg. The driver of that boat was under the influence.
“I don’t believe that people who make this decision intend to hurt or kill somebody, but they intend to choose to consume alcohol or other drugs and they make a choice to do that,” Otte said. “They make a choice to get behind the wheel. And it’s because of those choices that bad things happen.”
Trooper Matt Gayheart said it is important to speak up if you see something.
“We have a duty to respond and try to take care of one another. So if you see something like that, you need to make sure that you reach out to either local law enforcement or simply just maybe counseling that person and telling them what they’re doing could be potentially dangerous,” Gayheart said.
It is also important to be a responsible person in the situation and remove yourself from possible danger.
“Do not get in the car with someone who is impaired as much as you want to, and as much as you believe you can help them, you can keep them alert, you can’t,” Otte said. “And getting in that car just puts your life at risk. And so it’s so important to understand that you can’t help them in that moment. So please don’t put yourself in harm’s way.”
Otte said she would rather have a friend upset at her for not participating than to be involved in a potentially dangerous situation.
Otte said Mothers Against Drunk Driving is available to support anyone who has been impacted by impaired driving.