Students against Driving Drunk making a difference in Waitaki

Drink driving education is the main focus of Students Against Driving Drunk (SADD) nationally, but in Waitaki District students have also been promoting initiatives to get their peers home safely or keep them safe while socialising.

SADD Waitaki Chairperson, Jess Russell said, “we have provided buses for the after school parties, the St Kevin’s - Waitaki Boys rugby clash as well as the development of a No Regrets Party Pack which will be launched during SADD week at the end of August 2008. As a fund raiser we surveyed an area of the community that had been affected or was perceived to be affected by litter and wilful damage. One observation from the group was the lack of rubbish bins at the start of the liquor ban area.”

Community Safety Officer, Alison Banks said, “a request has been forwarded to the Waitaki District Council asking if there is a possibility of investigating implementing bins in these areas. The group felt the bins would be a reminder that people are about to enter the liquor ban area as well as a deterrent to littering. Suggested placement areas are Thames Highway North, Severn/Itchen St and Wansbeck/Itchen St. The Community Clean Up project regularly cleans up broken glass in these areas.”

“It’s an excellent opportunity to be involved not only in Drink Driving initiatives but safety issues relating to alcohol and youth. The programme is stronger and more effective than ever due to the enthusiasm and ideas of those involved” Jess said.

SADD has been running its programme in New Zealand Secondary Schools for 22 years and has a long history of young people working to support their peers to create safe behaviour and attitudes.