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News

Event promotes alcohol safety

Demonstration features memorial for UH students killed in drunken driving accident three years ago

by ALBERTO HERNANDEZ
The Daily Cougar

A totaled car complete with emergency responders was situated at the University Center on Wednesday morning as part of a safety demonstration held by Sigma Pi fraternity. 

The demonstration -- one of many held during the UC's Safe Spring Break day of events -- was part of Sigma Pi's Altruistic Campus Experience Program aimed at demonstrating the dangers of drunken driving. 

"Forty-five percent of all traffic accident deaths in Texas are alcohol related," Guillermo Diaz, hotel and restaurant management senior, said. "Nearly two out of every five Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related traffic crash in their lifetime." 

Fraternity members distributed "ace of spades" cards in honor of Samantha Spady, a Colorado State University student who made national news last year after dying from alcohol poisoning. 

The card -- produced by The Sam Spady Foundation -- listed several symptoms associated with alcohol poisoning, such as vomiting, unconsciousness and cold skin. 

Pictures of three UH students killed in a single drunken driving accident three years ago -- Matthew Glowacz, Jeremy Hyett and Joseph Marsh -- were also on display. For Diaz, the images were especially moving. 

"My best friend, Jeremy, was killed in that accident," he said. "Remembering the three students that were killed helps move us to do these demonstrations." 

Fliers with alcohol-related statistics were also distributed. 

Communication senior Chris Morrison organized the event. 

"Phillip Garcia of LKQ Auto Parts gladly volunteered to provide us with the crashed car," Morrison said. "We also arranged for a fire truck and ambulance to arrive."

Also present for the UC's Safe Spring Break was a Mothers Against Drunk Driving booth, food giveaways and cancer awareness information. 

"Be safe this Spring Break," Morrison said. "Don't drink and drive." 
 

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