SAU Students Work to End Destructive Decision-Making

Saturday night at Carriage Haus, six beers in, the lights come on and everyone needs to leave. The bus isn't running and walking isn't safe. So driving seems to be the only option. Drunk driving.

Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) is making its way to St. Ambrose. Previously know as Students Against Drunk Driving, SADD is a worldwide organization promoting students to make smart decisions in sticky situations.

Senior Ty McLane decided to start a SADD club at SAU after a recent accident near campus killed two people, including a friend of McLane's. The driver of the other vehicle was charged with Operating While Intoxicated.

"I decided to start a SADD chapter because of the accident," McLane said. "This really hit home for me and was really devastating for many others as well."

McLane sent out a tweet asking SAU students if anyone was interested in starting a SADD club at St. Ambrose. SAU juniors Claire Swift, Maddi Carr, and Zack Lundquist responded.

"I think it is important to address the fact that college students are faced with tough decisions involving drinking," Carr said.

SADD was approved for campus club status in early November. The group is attempting to work with the Student Government Association to provide transportation for driving-impaired students on weekends.

Another objective is to create a better environment for students, to lessen the peer pressure involving drinking and also to end bullying.

"We hope to address the most relevant issues on campus such as drunk driving and walking, texting and driving and some other issues," said McLane. If we can save even one person from being in an accident or from getting (attacked) while walking, then I think we made a great impact and difference. The decisions St. Ambrose students make affect themselves, their families, their friends and the entire community of Davenport.

The SADD club is pursuing a $2,000 grant and hopes to purchase a texting-and-driving simulator. The group will meet twice monthly.

"I really hope students join SADD," Swift said. "Too many students make stupid decisions, like to text and drive. And they mix it with alcohol; it's just dumb."