It is that time of year again, as college students are preparing to leave for school, many for the first time.

With concern for the well-being of these students and in an effort to decrease incidents of theft, sexual assault and drunken driving on campus, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office offers the following "back-to-school" safety tips.

• Always remember the perils of driving drunk. The most practical safety that can be offered about drunken driving is don’t do it. Always make sure there are designated drivers at parties and never let someone who is intoxicated drive away. Even a short trip across campus can be dangerous, even deadly, when there is alcohol involved.

• One drink equals .54 ounces of alcohol. This is the approximate amount found in one shot of distilled spirits, one can of beer or one glass of wine. On average, it takes the body one hour to eliminate one unit of alcohol.

• Students should always protect themselves from theft, even on campuses that are considered safe.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, 26,543 cases of burglary were reported on campuses nationwide in 2000.

Students should remember to lock their dorm rooms and car doors, and never leave laptops unattended in the library or student lounge.

• Never walk home alone, especially in deserted or poorly lit areas. In 2000, 1,815 sexual assault cases were reported on college campuses across the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

To help prevent sexual assault, students should be conscious of their drink and never leave it unattended, as many "date rape" drugs can easily be slipped into and diluted in drinks at parties and social gatherings.

For more information on campus safety, call the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office at (732) 294-5901.