Tempe is taking a proactive approach to educate young drivers and their caregivers about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. On Thursday, Aug. 29, city groups will host what they’re calling a Drive Sober: Youth Safety Summit at Tempe Center for the Arts. The program runs 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The workshop is free (registration required) and open to young drivers and their caregivers. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from spokespersons of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization about the risks and consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This presentation is designed to provide potentially life-saving information and skills for young drivers.
According to program planners, the Drive Sober: Youth Safety Summit aims to educate young drivers and their caregivers on how to make responsible decisions behind the wheel. The workshop will also include a Q&A session with experts able to answer questions presented by those attending. In 2023, according to the group’s documentation, Tempe had a total of 50 vehicle collisions resulting in serious injury or death. Shockingly, they say, 30% of these were caused by impairment due to the use of alcohol or drugs. As a result, 24 people lost their lives; another 34 were seriously injured.
City officials say Tempe is committed to a program being called Vision Zero, whose goal is to reduce the number of fatal and serious injury crashes to zero. The planned safety informational program represents a collaboration between the city of Tempe, Tempe Police and Tempe Fire Medical Rescue, with support from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Arizona Department of Liquor License and Control, and Tempe Coalition. According to those planning the program, Tempe is encouraging young drivers and their caregivers to attend the coming workshop to support efforts promoting safe driving practices.
