Georgia Southwestern State University is proud to announce the receipt of a $6,830 grant to participate in the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) Georgia Young Adult Program.

The GOHS addresses young adult driver crashes, injuries and fatalities and partners with colleges and universities throughout the state to implement the Georgia Young Adult Program (GYAP). This program has proven to be successful using strategies such as peer education, providing educational speakers to schools and encouraging schools to develop creative, innovative techniques to reduce young adult crashes, injuries and fatalities in their communities.

“The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is committed to changing the tragic trend of young adult driver deaths in Georgia,” said GOHS Director Harris Blackwood. “We’re here to make changes and I believe the students at Georgia Southwestern State University can help us achieve the goal of lowering crash, injury and fatality rates statewide. Who better to address the challenges and dangers facing young adults than their peers? I’m confident these students can convince their peers to be safer, more conscientious drivers.”

Schools coordinate events such as impaired driving prevention programs, including DUI simulators or professional speakers. Programming often surrounds events such as National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, Safe Spring Break and summer orientation. Programs involve collaborations with Public Safety and Counseling Services.

The grant runs through Sept. 30, 2015.