Drunk driving sim visits campus

10/22/2008

The Crimson White

By Kellie Munts

Students will be able to experience the dangers of driving a car while under the influence without actually causing any harm today when the "Save-a-Life Tour" comes to campus.

In recognition of National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, this public health tour will set up a state-of-the-art drunk-driving simulator in the main level of the Ferguson Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The "Save-a-Life Tour" is returning to campus for its fourth year and is expected to have an even stronger impact than it did in its previous years. Many organizations campus wide, including the Student Health Center, SGA, UA Police Department and others have a vested interest in alcohol abuse prevention, especially among University students.

Delynne Wilcox, coordinator for Health Planning and Prevention, believes participating in the event will influence students to make logical decisions in regard to drinking and driving.

"This will make students think through it without any pressure," Wilcox said.

The simulator is said to be very similar to reality, and Wilcox said she is confident it will appeal to students.

"With this generation being more technologically savvy, students will sit and try to beat this 'game.' But drinking and driving is not a game at all," Wilcox said.

Students who sit in the driver's seat will get the general effect of driving while intoxicated, and those standing near the screen will experience the perspective of a passenger.

After a few short minutes, Wilcox said, students participating are expected to realize it is not possible to beat this game.

Because driving while under the influence is preventable, Wilcox said, she hopes the simulator will have an effect on the decisions of those who participate.

As a reminder of the consequences of intoxicated driving, a mangled car that was the product of a drunk driving accident will be brought on campus this week.

Additionally, Wilcox is working to change the campus culture and promote alternative entertainment events.

"We hope that students will take advantage of the opportunity to participate in these alternative events," Wilcox said.

Through AlcoholEdu, students were able to voice their opinions concerning potential activities sponsored by the University. Approximately 75 percent of the freshmen class included in feedback for AlcoholEdu said they would be interested in participating in such events. Through National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, the University is working to promote those events.

The Student Health Center is also working closely with the Recreation Center to build the Facebook group, "Who says there's nothing to do?," and hope to attract student participation through that facility.

"We're working to build this mechanism so we can have this for students who are looking for more anonymity," Wilcox said.

The programs throughout campus are working to appeal to the student body and are encouraging students to participate in events such as the "Save-a-Life Tour." Wilcox and those at the Student Health Center have had an overwhelming amount of support from the SGA in planning the events for National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week.

"We applaud the SGA for their investment in the event. This has been the most support and active involvement we've ever had," Wilcox said.