The commuter organization at Wright State University (WSU) put on an event where students could join in on games and make a fun mocktail while learning about the dangers of drunk driving.
Commuter Student Association (CSA) had drink recipes to make for those who wanted them, but also offered many kinds of sodas, syrups and other liquids to give students full freedom in making whatever drinks they desired.
They also offered a game where students drove bumper cars while wearing goggles that made them see as if they were under the influence of alcohol. This allowed students to see how drinking and driving affects dexterity skills.
Kassidy Little, a student at WSU, witnessed people participating in this game and spoke about it.
“I didn’t try it myself, but it looked like it made things a lot harder,” Little said. “It showed how much drinking can affect your coordination and reaction time.”
Ximena Abarca is the president of CSA and hosted this event.
“I just want them to have fun but also, have that awareness and learn about the dangers of [drunk driving],” Abarca said.
Abarca stressed that it is important to always have a designated driver, sharing that you can book an Uber or other ride shares in advance if you know a date that you plan on going out.
Or, if you did not plan on it, but ended up drinking, have a set plan or person, just in case.
“You end up going out and you didn’t realize you were going to drink. It’s as simple as calling somebody,” Abarca said.
She also highlighted a statistic about drunk driving.
“34 people in the U.S. die daily in drunk driving crashes, equating to one death every 42 minutes,” Abarca said.
Drunk driving is a serious ongoing situation; you may think one drink will not affect you, but studies have shown that a big misconception about drinking and driving is that you will be fine to drive if you have only had one drink. This is not true, and Abarca agrees.
“You might not realize that [after one drink], your awareness and reaction time to certain things is slower now,” Abarca said.
Abarca wants everyone to take this message away from the event, when dealing with social situations such as peer pressure.
“Know yourself and stick to people who support your morals,” Abarca said.
