Phi Sigma Pi aims to reduce drunk driving
When Phi Sigma Pi honor fraternity president Jennifer Travis thought about what the organization should do for its annual risk management event, she considered incorporating a personal experience.
She sought Brittany Floer, fellow fraternity member and active member of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Floer joined after her younger sister was killed by a drunk driver in 2007 and Floer wanted to include her passion about the organization. A committee of fellow group members started planning The Truths about Drunk Driving event.
"We usually do events focused on sobriety, and I thought of Brittany and her experience. Drunk driving is preventable and we wanted to support MADD," said Travis, a Flushing senior.
On Monday in the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium, Phi Sigma Pi members handed out packets of information as guests arrived. The packets included MADD statistics from the state campaign to eliminate drunk driving, and four letters addressed to Gov. Jennifer Granholm asking that more laws be passed to help prevent drunk driving from occurring.
The attendees were asked to sign the letters, and Floer would mail them to Granholm's office with hopes that their messages will be heard.
Floer wanted to convey her passion for MADD and spread awareness about drunk driving to others.
Floer said "We started planning the event over the summer. At first it was going to be an event just for our chapter, but then we decided to open it up to all students on campus".
Floer has dedicated much time and effort to raise awareness about drunk driving and the mission of MADD.
The event began with a video titled SADD Realities of Drunk Driving. The video was a collection of personal photos and descriptions about Floer's younger sister, including photos from the car accident and clips from Floer's family during court trials. It explained the accident and the heartache the family experienced.
The program continued with a speaker on behalf of MADD. Homer Smith, the executive director of MADD in Michigan, helped explain the steps being taken to eliminate drunk driving.
"People are being killed in a way that is completely preventable," Smith said. "Why do people drink and drive? Because they can. Take action and make drunk driving unacceptable."
Attendees found the event emotional and gained a better understanding of the effects of drunk driving and the seriousness of this issue.
"I found the event very educational. It really opens peoples' eyes to how serious drunk driving really is, especially in Michigan," said Mecosta senior Mandy Marshall.
Floer blieves the event was successful and hopes students will spread the word and inform others and make an impact. For further information, visit madd.org.
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