Sacramento State students who visited the Drunk Driving awareness table in the University Union this week and spun the big, wooden wheel left with a harsh dose of reality and a free package of tea or hot chocolate.

When a student spins the wheel they get asked a question related to drunk driving and whether they get the question right or wrong they get a prize. The purpose is to give them the facts.

“We’re here to increase awareness for college students,” said Stara Brost, senior health science major and event coordinator. “We want students to become more aware, especially during the holiday season and support non-alcoholic drinks like different teas and hot chocolate.”

December has been declared National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month by the Center for Disease Control.

In honor of this, the Sacramento State Health Center, Recording Artists Against Drunk Driving and the California Office of Traffic Safety sponsored a drunk driving awareness table stacked with free informational pamphlets and prizes for students and faculty.

“I think it’s a really good idea that we’re out here because a lot of people aren’t aware of the consequences of drunk driving,” said Jessica Spohn, senior nutrition major, while volunteering at the table.

“It’s good to spread the word because sometimes people don’t know their tolerance level when they’re drinking so it’s important to make them aware,” Spohn said. “People don’t always think about calling anyone either (when they’re drunk) so with the cards we’re giving out you always have someone to call.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about three in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives.

“My friends and I go out and we drink and there’s always that ‘who’s going to drive?’ situation,” Raymond Diaz, senior nursing major said. “There’s been times where we pick out who’s the ‘most sober’ person or the ‘least drunk’ and end up having that person drive. You can say you’re OK to drive but you never really know.”

Information about California laws and vehicle codes were available for students containing websites, phone numbers and many other local resources a person might need if they have a question or concern regarding California policy on safety issues such as drunk driving.

“We have ‘find a ride’ cards with a list of Sacramento area taxi cab services, coasters, lanyards and scratch and win cards here for the students,” Brost said. “We’ve seen about 20 students an hour come by the table. Just by being here it brings up the subject so the students at least talk about it.”

An average DUI charge in California can cost nearly $10,000 after legal fees, insurance increases, having your car impounded and towed, community service and fines, according to the Office of Traffic Safety website. Diaz guessed $2,500.

“It was new and useful information that I didn’t know before,” Diaz said. “I had a ball park figure of how much (a DUI) would cost but I had no idea it was that much.”

Gina Cruz can be reached at [email protected].