Tech Athletics partners with DRIVE SMART Virginia and the Virginia DMV

Sober driving campaign partners with Virginia Tech Athletics

April 12, 2018

The question on the minds of many college athletics sports fans on game day is, “What’s the game plan?” Virginia Tech Athletics DRIVE SMART Virginia, and the Virginia DMV Highway Safety Office are taking that to the next level with the launch of “What’s Your Game Plan?” — a new safety project that encourages Virginia Tech fans to choose a sober driver and buckle up.

Designed to improve the safety of Virginia roadways, the project is a public information and education campaign that targets 21- to 35-year-old male drivers in Virginia with a sober driving message. Recent statistics show that men ages 21-35 account for 72 percent of DUI convictions in Virginia.

“‘What’s Your Game Plan’ gives us an opportunity to have an important conversation about safe driving and reminds people that sober driving is the only option,” said Janet Brooking, Executive Director of DRIVE SMART Virginia. “We’ve partnered with Virginia Tech Athletics to reach their fans across the Commonwealth and we appreciate their commitment to our community and to delivering such an important message.”

As part of the campaign, “What’s Your Game Plan” will be the presenting sponsor of the Virginia Tech Football home opener against William & Mary on September 8, 2018. Brand ambassadors from DRIVE SMART Virginia will circulate amongst fans to encourage them to make a commitment and take a pledge to be a safe driver. Messaging will also be delivered through game programs, radio spots, stadium signage, and numerous social media platforms, as well as through newsletters and e-blasts.

The new campaign will officially kick off April 13-15, and will include fan activation activities at Virginia Tech’s Spring Game on April 14, as well as grand opening events for English Field at Union Park, the home of Virginia Tech baseball.

“This is a unique approach to a very serious problem every state faces,” said Richard D. Holcomb, DMV Commissioner and the Governors Highway Safety Representative. “We’re thrilled to be supporting a creative and important campaign that will make a difference on Virginia’s roads.”

“We are proud to partner with DRIVE SMART Virginia and the DMV to introduce this important program to Hokie Nation,” said Brandon Forbis, General Manager of IMG College at Virginia Tech. “Hokie fans from throughout the state attend our games and we want all fans travel safely to and from Blacksburg. A safe game day environment is extremely important to Virginia Tech Athletics, and we challenge all of our fans to take the pledge and ask ‘What’s Your Game Plan’ every time they head out, whether they’re coming to Blacksburg or attending a watch party wherever they are.”

Named “What’s Your Game Plan” for its double meaning to connect with sports fans, the campaign will offer Virginians the opportunity to receive VIP-level experiences at a Virginia Tech home game later this Fall by signing the safe-driving pledge and participating in campaign activities on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Fans who participate in the “What’s Your Game Plan” campaign activities will be entered for a chance to score a VIP experience, which will include a pre-game tailgate, game day parking, pre-game sideline access for Enter Sandman, and tickets to a game.

To take the safe driving pledge and be entered for a chance to score a Virginia Tech VIP Experience, please visit www.drivesmartva.org/whats-your-game-plan/

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About DRIVE SMART Virginia

DRIVE SMART Virginia is a non-profit organization charged with raising awareness and changing behavior in order to improve the safety of the roadways of the Commonwealth. It endeavors to improve the lives of all Virginians through public information and education initiatives. Founded in 1995, the organization is led by a diverse board representing safety advocates, the insurance industry, and law enforcement. DRIVE SMART’s mission is to advance its safe driving message by fostering community partnerships, creating educational campaigns, designing and distributing educational materials, public speaking and training, and advocating for traffic safety initiatives.

About Department of Motor Vehicles Highway Safety Office

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is an executive branch agency responsible for administering Virginia laws related to driver and vehicles credentialing. As the Virginia Highway Safety Office, DMV is responsible for administering a comprehensive federal grant fund program with established measurable objectives for each of the nearly 400 grants awarded each year With a focus toward zero deaths, DMV supports programs throughout the Commonwealth that strive to reduce traffic crashes, deaths, and injuries.

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