Simulator shows DUI realities

The Student Government Association hosted the U.N.I.T.E International Stop Loss DUI Simulator March 11 for its Safe Spring Break campaign.

The simulator allowed students to see what it is like to drive under the influence. Many students believe they will be able to drive even when they have had a few drinks.

“We know that people are going to have fun this spring break,” said SGA member Andrew Henry.

“They are probably going to do something stupid like try to drink and drive. We just want to show them some of the dangerous consequences of not just drunk driving, but buzzed driving as well.” Representatives from U.N.I.T.E International were on campus to guide students through the simulation.

The simulator gave students three opportunities to make it home through a small town with a BAC of .077, which is under the legal limit and is the equivalent of two to three drinks in an average-size person.

The simulation took place in a midsize car with participants wearing simulation goggles.

Many students are overconfident, however, because they have yet to get into an accident while being drunk or buzzed.

According to MADD.com, a first-time drunk-driving offender on average has driven drunk 87 times before being arrested.

Of the more than 159 million alcohol-impaired driving trips estimated that Americans took in 2002, more than 10 percent (18 million trips) were made by 18- to 20-year-olds.

Christina Holstege, a representative of U.N.I.T.E International, said, “Drinking alcohol slows your reaction times. It also slows your reflexes. Even one drink can affect your reaction time.”

Other SGA members also expressed concern that their fellow students would try to drive while intoxicated.

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