Karla Hernandez/THE RIDER
As common safety issues tend to increase during the holiday season, according to a UTRGV Police Department officer, students listened to tips on staying safe during the Holiday Safety Mini Fair.
The event, hosted by the Office for Advocacy and Violence Prevention, UT Health RGV Student Health, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the UTRGV Police Department, took place Wednesday in the Music, Science and Learning Center on the Brownsville campus and Nov. 5 on the north patio of the Student Union on the Edinburg campus.
Marco Huerta, officer and part of the Community Engagement Division for UTRGV PD, said safety should be among the top priorities when traveling, adding that its participation in the fair intends to prepare students.
“Monitor your alcohol intake and just be safe, and that’s basically what we try to push at our events,” Huerta said.
He also provided other recommendations for traveling, such as preparing your car for the winter climates with an emergency kit, if driving a long distance. A good night’s sleep is also encouraged.
“The most important one is make sure everyone is buckled up, whoever’s traveling in that car, even if it’s short or long distance,” Huerta said. “… Another important one is put that cell phone away when driving. Don’t be distracted.”
Maura Torres, program specialist for MADD, explained to The Rider what her organization entails and its purpose.
“It’s a nonprofit organization that got started by a mother who lost her daughter,” Torres said. “… She decided to take action and make something of it. … The purpose is to bring prevention, bring awareness and to make a movement.”
When asked by The Rider why it is important to bring awareness during this time of the year, the program specialist replied that, as of today, there are several options on getting home such as a taxi, Uber or a designated driver without putting any individual at risk.
Torres added the community can provide support to the organization.
“They can support us by having us over to community events,” she said. “We can do presentations and give our information. … We want everybody to take a stand and say, ‘OK, if I’m going to drink or make a plan, we have this plan in action, and this is what we can do.’”
According to the program specialist, the organization provides support through a specialist that helps advocate for the victims and provides guidance to individuals on the proper steps to follow.
Lorraine Pedraza, a theatre senior, said her favorite part of the event was the CampusShield mobile app provided by the Police Department.
“I really like the idea of having the police helping people at night and, if you see something, you can say something and be anonymous about it,” Pedraza said.
Huerta advised students to be safe during the holidays and recommended the Vaquero community to follow his advice.
“We want them to be responsible; we want to see them back after the holidays, so they can continue their education,” he said.
