Campus News - Spartan Daily

February 03, 2005

Drunk driving arrests decline in 2004
UPD reports 16 DUI's already in 2005
By Erin Caballero
Daily Staff Writer
February 03, 2005

Every year in America more than 17,000 people die as a result of drunk driving, and countless others are seriously injured, according to the National Coalition Against Drunk Driving.

At San Jose State University, the University Police Department arrested 130 people for driving under the influence in 2004, 15 less than in 2003. Sixteen people have been arrested this year to date, marking an increase in the rate of DUI arrests, said Sgt. Robert Noriega, public information officer for campus police.

He attributes this to increased enforcement - especially around the holidays - and the public's attitudes toward driving under the influence.

In addition, Noriega said, staffing levels affect the rate of DUI arrests as the cost of living in the Bay Area makes it difficult to retain officers.

" Sometimes the perception is that one will not get caught, so the number of DUI drivers increases," Noriega said.

To combat this attitude, students and staff have joined forces, using innovative and educational approaches to counter drunk driving, he said.

Several years ago, the Student Health Center's Prevention Education Program and campus police created "beer goggles," which enables wearers to see just how little alcohol it takes to impair motor skills and good judgment, Noriega said.

Campus police offer students an opportunity to try them at the annual Safety Fair, held at the beginning of each Fall semester, he said.

Some students said they are also taking a proactive role in preventing drunk driving.
" We monitor everybody closely, to make sure nothing happens," said Tyler Webb, a freshman member of Delta Upsilon fraternity.

Webb said that for him, the Greek life isn't like the popular film "Animal House," but a chance to educate others about the true and tragic consequences of driving under the influence.
Some said students they are uncomfortable seeing drunken people around campus when they are taking night classes.
" I don't think people take enough responsibility," said Julia Valdivia, a senior majoring in sociology. "Half of San Jose State is female - they need to have more security. I take classes at night, and other than the campus escort, I've only seen one guy on campus."
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, drunk driving kills a person every 30 minutes, making it the most common violent crime in America.
Alcohol also causes serious health problems, such as cirrhosis of the liver, brain damage, birth defects and mental problems, according to the Narcotics Education Foundation of America.
Noriega said a coalition of the California Highway Patrol, the Traffic Safe Communities Network and public health, safety and education experts plan to bring a DUI trial to SJSU sometime in the fall.
" People do not perceive the reality until it affects someone else, or causes them grief or both," Noriega said. "Unfortunately, that's too late."