PiP 2024

Impaired driving is the leading cause of alcohol-related deaths among college students. And yet, many campuses give little attention to the issue. By discussing the history of impaired driving prevention and the roots of a blind-spot in campus action, we can better understand challenges facing campus professionals. All areas of a typical set of prevention actions, from needs assessment to program development and management, are challenged by the nature of impaired driving; a behavior that often impacts the community in a much more visible way than the campus. Cannabis legalization in many states has exacerbated this issue. It challenges us to better understand THC impairments, which have only recently been researched. Further, combined use of cannabis and alcohol heighten the complexity of this issue and our need for better understanding. However, there are promising approaches that will be discussed to help campus and community professionals consider what may improve the situation.