UTPB Brings DUI Simulator to Raise Drunk Driving Awareness
By: Marianne Elisak
Updated: February 28, 2013
ODESSA --- In national survey taken earlier this year, 81% of people said they think it's dangerous to drink and drive. However, almost a third of drivers who drink reported that they drove at least once when they thought they were over the legal limit.
The Student Life program organizers at UTPB are trying to lessen those statistics by showing students what it's like to drive drunk.
Student Life Senior Coordinator, John Garcia, says that it's important to warn students ahead of time. "I think it's really important to be proactive" says Garcia, "we need to let them know about what can happen if they decide to do something like this."
A DUI simulator was brought out to the campus Thursday afternoon, showing students what it's like to drive drunk while completely sober.
The simulator is meant to show students that their reaction time is much slower while intoxicated.
According to PEERS, the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, half a million arrests are made every year in America for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and about 26% of all traffic deaths among 16-24 year olds involves alcohol.
"Traditional students are aged 18 to 25" says Garcia, "this is something that really hits home when it comes to college students".
Most students who tried the DUI simulator say that it was really difficult to control, and will make them think twice about getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.
