El Camino College sponsored its 16th Annual DUI Awareness Fair to spread community awareness and discourage drunken driving or getting into a car that is driven by a person under the influence.
The fair included demonstrations that mimic the effects of being under the influence. Participants were allowed to wear special “DUI goggles” or “marijuana impairment goggles,” that simulate being under the influence.
Students had the opportunity to drive a golf cart through a controlled course as well as attempt free throws to a basketball basket.
El Camino students felt that the fair served its purpose in giving knowledge to students with the demonstrations involving the simulated “impairment goggles.”
“It’s very beneficial,” David Cortez, 19, automotive technology major, said. “The holidays are coming up and college students are known to party during these times.”
The fair changed some students perspectives on the dangers of driving under the influence by displaying a real car that was involved in an alcohol-related death.
“I was very impacted when I saw the crashed car,” Patrick Le, 21, English major, said. “It made me really think about the next time I am tempted to drive home after a couple of drinks.”
Le added that the crashed car display gave him chills about the consequences of drunken driving and that he would look for a designated driver or call a cab when he is too intoxicated to drive.
Some students said that they would never drive under the influence because it would impact their lives or their cars.
“I drive a stick shift car so I would never drive while being under the influence,” Daniel Ramirez, 19, neuroscience major, said. “I have to pay attention to my RPM (revolutions per minute) or I’ll hurt myself, mess up my car, or potentially hit others.”
An El Camino student wanted to tell others about the consequences of putting oneself and others in danger while driving under the influence.
“Don’t be dumb and drive intoxicated with yourself and others in the car,” Carlos Osorio, 19, biochemistry major said. “You’ll have your loved ones worry about your well being (and) the passenger’s loved ones worried as well, because you’re also putting them at risk of being hurt or killed.”
