Students need to remain safe during tailgating, refrain from drunk driving
The Central Michigan University football game against Michigan State this Saturday is cause for excitement for CMU students.
Lansing is close, allowing students the opportunity to drive down and watch the Chippewas battle with the Spartans.
But students should be forewarned: U.S. 127 will be overcrowded with police, looking for drunk drivers between Mount Pleasant and Lansing. And for good reason — students need to be safe this weekend, including refraining from drinking and driving.
Tailgating is a big part of college football, and the game Saturday will be no exception. CMU students will no doubt be partying and socializing with State students. It is encouraged that students go to the game and cheer their team on. What is not encouraged is becoming so intoxicated, you cannot walk straight.
With Lansing a little more than an hour away, driving home to Mount Pleasant after a few drinks becomes more of an endurance test rather than a simple drive home. Compile that with an entire day of cheering and battling a football crowd, and many students will no doubt be wiped out.
Make plans before you head down to the game. Exactly how much do you plan on drinking? What are you doing once the game is over? Is there a friend you know at State that will let you crash on their couch? These are all things every student should be asking before they head down to East Lansing.
Students have a variety of ways of having fun in Lansing this Saturday without drinking and driving. Find a sober driver. Find a hotel room to stay at for the night. Make friends with State kids and party at their house after the game.
Most of all, just be safe, period. Treat your peers with respect, enjoy what should be a good football game and be responsible.
With a little bit of planning, students can experience tailgating and the football game without harming anyone else or, worse, endangering their lives. Students should take this advice to heart and have fun Saturday.
