University of Nevada, Reno Police Services, the University’s Office of Student Conduct and the Nevada Department of Public Safety partner with Wolf Pack Athletics this Saturday to promote Do the Ride Thing, an initiative to prevent underage drinking and drunk driving, funded by a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety.
“Do the Ride Thing encourages all fans to use alcohol sensibly,” said the initiative’s Program Manager Christine Adams. “Our motto is, ‘Responsible, Legal, Safe.’ Responsible use of alcohol is more than just not drinking and driving; it also includes legal use, meaning only 21 years and older, and safe use – not engaging in binge drinking, participating in drinking games or other activities that encourage drinking in an unhealthy and unsafe manner.”
At the Sept. 21 Wolf Pack football game against Hawaii, Do the Ride Thing, a University-sponsored rewards system, will be promoted by the launch of a new safety video produced by Police Services and the Office of Student Conduct. The video features statements from University Chief of Police Adam Garcia, Wolf Pack Football Coach Brian Polian, football quarterback and University student Cody Fajardo and other Nevada students. Throughout the game, there will also be audio public service announcements offering information about alternative weekend, late-night activities for students.
“We want all fans to enjoy the game in a safe environment,” Garcia said. “We also want everyone to get home safely afterward. Do the Ride Thing is a reminder to use alcohol legally and responsibly and to adhere to the established policies at Mackay Stadium.”
During the white-out game against Hawaii, T-shirts, provided by the program, will be tossed into the student section of the stadium. There will be pre-game activities in a tailgate area on the Cantina Del Lobo lawn, with food and non-alcoholic beverages provided by the Joe Crowley Student Union. There will also be a sign-up table in place where students who sign a pledge to serve as designated drivers receive free, serial-numbered “wolf tags,” and are eligible for special offers from campus and local vendors, such as Sonic, The Little Waldorf and Archie’s.
Students can also download the program’s “Be in the Know” phone application providing them access to campus events, coupons and alcohol education. Local businesses are encouraged to support the initiative and can also become sponsors or Do the Ride Thing Champions.
The $30,000 grant helps continue work addressing substance abuse problems in Washoe County and building successful partnerships to create healthy, drug-free communities.
