Georgia Perimeter College Newton Campus will use a $7,500 state grant to launch a driver safety program, GPC Newton Campus Cares.

The program’s goal is to increase the use of seatbelts by drivers to and from the Newton Campus, according to a release.

The GPC Office of Public Safety was awarded a Young Adult Alcohol Awareness and Seat Belt Compliance grant for $7,500.

The priority concern of the grant is the high percentage of alcohol related crashes, injuries and fatalities among college age students.

Many teens do not wear seat belts and do not designate drivers who have not consumed alcoholic beverages or other drugs during social gatherings, according to Lt. Andrew Moore, of the Newton Campus. Drivers are less likely to use restraints when they have been drinking, he said in the release.

Public Safety will conduct safety checks in the drive to the campus throughout the year. Educational materials will be provided during these checkpoints and during events here on the campus. Training will be provided for students who act as peer educators.