EAST LANSING, Mich. – The East Lansing Police Department (ELPD) and Michigan State University Police Department (MSU PD) will join Spartans Against Drunk Driving at its 3rd Annual Survivor’s Forum on Sunday, Nov. 23.

The forum will take place at 5:30 p.m. in Wonders Hall Kiva on the MSU campus. The event will allow victims, perpetrators and others who have been impacted by drunk driving to come together and speak about their experiences. The forum, a signature event for Spartans Against Drunk Driving, is open to anyone.

East Lansing Mayor Victor Loomis will attend the forum to say a few brief words and then the microphone will be opened up to the crowd. The forum, in previous years, has primarily consisted of MSU students, but has also included officers with ELPD and MSU PD.

“The survivor’s forum allows anyone impacted by drunk driving to share their stories with a supportive group,” said East Lansing Police Chief Tom Wibert. “The past two forums have been very powerful experiences for all who took part.”

A Crime Statistics Report produced by ELPD earlier this year reflected a 17-year high on drunk driving arrests in the City of East Lansing. In 2007 ELPD wrote 464 OWI/OUIDs (Operating While Intoxicated/Operating Under the Influence of Drugs), close to 200 more than in 2002.

“We have really cracked down on drunk driving arrests and it continues to be one of our stated priorities,” said Chief Wibert. “Injury and death caused by drunk driving is totally preventable and yet it continues to be a statewide and national problem. We urge people to think twice before getting behind the wheel when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The consequences are too severe for that kind of poor decision.”

Progress has been made in the City of East Lansing and, according to a recent survey, 81 percent of MSU students say they use a designated driver when under the influence of alcohol.

Spartans Against Drunk Driving is a student organization dedicated to the reduction and prevention of drunk driving. SADD is affiliated with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Michigan State University Police Department, the East Lansing Police Department and various drinking establishments in the East Lansing area. SADD encourages drinkers to use taxis or designated drivers to keep themselves and others safe. Visit the Spartans Against Drunk Driving Web site at http://spartansagainstdrunkdriving.googlepages.com. SADD can be reached by e-mail at spartansagainstdrunkdriving@gmail.com.