DUBOIS – The Save a Live Tour recently made a stop at Penn State DuBois, spreading a powerful message about the dangerous and often deadly consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol.Â
Based in Grand Rapids Michigan, the Save a Life Tour travels throughout the United States, and has even made stops in Europe, to bring their unique multimedia display to college campuses, high schools, and military bases. Using videos, posters, props, and a driving simulator that replicates the experience of driving under the influence, Save a Life’s approach has been called over the top, yet effective. Â
“The videos are graphic,” admits Save a Life Tour representative Christopher Rich, noting that some of their videos were shot on location at fatal DUI crash sites. “That’s the point, though. That’s the impact of the program. We want to show them the reality of what can happen when someone drives drunk.” Â
Though less graphic, the drunk driving simulator can be an eye opener as well. “We put delays in the gas, brake, and steering, so it simulates your natural reactions being delayed the way they would be if you were drunk,” Rich explains. “When you turn the wheel and don’t see a reaction, you naturally keep turning. That’s an example of what people do when driving under the influence. When people drive it, they get out and say how hard it was to do.”Â
“I think this has a big impact because it’s not just a video or a speaker,” said Penn State DuBois student Chris Kolp. “It’s not censored. It’s real. I think every campus should host this. It shows the real aftermath of DUI accidents, and that hits a lot harder than talk.”
Steve Harmic, Penn State DuBois
