Drunken driving victims share experiences

Before Sunday’s Spartans Against Drunk Driving Survivors’ Forum, the only time Marley Gluf spoke publicly about being hit by a drunken driver was during that driver’s trial.

Gluf, a freshman at Eastern Michigan University, was 18 years old when a 20-year-old male driver ran a red light and his car collided with the left side of the motorcycle she was riding as a passenger last summer.

The man registered a .225 percent blood alcohol content.

“My sister, Lindsay, told me about (the forum), and I felt it was a good way to give back, because a lot of people helped me out during the whole thing,” Gluf said.

“If I can get one person to think twice about doing this, it means a lot to me.”

Lesley Bergquist, president of Spartans Against Drunk Driving, said the group’s second annual survivors’ forum gave individuals affected by drunken driving such as Gluf the opportunity to share their stories.

Bergquist said while she hoped stories from victims, perpetrators and others affected by drunken driving will deter students from driving while intoxicated, the event also provided support for individuals still coping with their drunken driving experiences.

“It’s a chance for members of the student body or outside the Lansing community to come and tell their stories if they have been affected by drunk driving in any way,” Bergquist said.

“It helps with the healing process and helps the students realize there is a community out there for them as a support system.”

Lindsay Gluf, advertising coordinator for Spartans Against Drunk Driving and Marley’s older sister, said she joined the group after her sister’s experience.

“I’m saving someone’s family from all the turmoil my family went through,” said Gluf, an interdisciplinary studies in social science and human resources and society junior.

“If I can help one person decide to not drink and drive, I feel like I’ve done something.”

Bergquist said this year’s event followed a format similar to last year’s forum.

“Last year’s event was pretty informal,” Bergquist said.

“We had people who had requested to speak, and after they told their story, we opened it up to anyone from the audience who wanted to give their story.

“Even if we can save one life each year by holding our event, it’s completely worth it.”

Published on Sunday, February 24, 2008