An anti-drinking and driving conference organized by marketing management students had a good message but a disappointing turnout, said Pablo Tovar, who organized the event.

The event, entitled I'm Against Drinking and Driving, took place on March 16 in Forwell Hall.

It included a YouTube playlist showing effective anti-drinking and driving ads and a speaker from Arrive Alive Drive Sober, Anne Leonard.

As Leonard took the stage, she mentioned some good news: vehicle collision rates (not only for drinking and driving) had gone down since the late 1980s. She also mentioned that driving laws and consequences for breaking them have become much more strict over the past three decades.

Part of the message of the day was not only to remind people not to drink and drive, but to look out for their friends as well.

"Our goal was to let the people know that we are still facing this problem in society," said Tovar. "In my personal opinion, I think that we didn't achieve our goal," as the turnout was much lower than expected. He added that he thinks the event wasn't promoted enough, and that many students were possibly too busy with projects or exams to attend.

The organizers spread their message in other ways, however, including distributing informative packets created by Arrive Alive on tables throughout Forwell Hall. The packages included information about local services such as taxis that can be used to avoid driving while intoxicated; reminders about Ontario's drinking and driving laws; a booklet full of coupons and information; and more.

Despite the disappointing turnout to the event, Tovar said he is interested in hosting a similar event in the future. "I like to be part of social cause events to help society. I think that I would totally change the concept of the event, (and maybe do) something that would be funny for the audience but it would create awareness for them, such as a comedic play."

For more information on drinking and driving, visit arrivealive.org.