There wasn't a beer can in sight last night when more than 350 UA students gathered at Sky View Apartments to learn about the consequences of drinking and driving.
Root beer, not Keystone Light, was the only beverage served from a keg at the third annual Sky View Happy Hour, an event aimed at educating students about the dangers of driving under the influence.
Mark Loewenthal, the resident assistant in charge of the event, said it was an opportunity for students to witness the risks of drinking and driving.
"This is an educational program about how drinking and driving affects everyone around campus," he said. "Students get to see everything from what happens if you get pulled over to the deadly consequences."
The event featured DUI simulators and golf cart simulators that allowed students to feel the difference between driving sober and driving under the influence. There was also a car that had been totaled in a DUI crash and a hearse with caskets on display.
A video that residents created was shown at the event and depicted a night of drinking.
According to a survey taken by Sky View Apartment residents, 33 percent of students living in the apartments said they designate a driver when they drink.
Of the 245 students surveyed, 73.4 percent said they drank within the last week, and 54.2 percent said they have driven drunk or been in a vehicle with an intoxicated driver.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving, a nonprofit organization with a mission to stop drunken driving, support the victims of accidents caused by drunken drivers and prevent underage drinking, was also present at the event.
Piya Shult, a MADD volunteer, spoke to the students about her daughter, who was killed by a drunken driver.
"I am not here to lecture you on drinking," Shult said. "I came here to tell you that if you drink, don't drive. If you want to drink, designate someone to drive."
Shult said that drunken driving not only affects the person who is driving, but has a ripple effect for everyone involved.
"I spend many sleepless nights thinking of her laying on the cold metal table, night after night," she said. "This is the ripple effect."
The tragedy happened because just one person chose to drink and drive, Shult said.
"Please don't be part of this tragedy," she said.
Many students at the happy hour thought the event addressed an important subject.
"I hope students become aware of drinking and driving and its implications," said Amanda Chapman, a biology senior. "I hope they walk away with a commitment not to drink and drive."
On March 13, the cost of a first-time DUI conviction went up from $450 to $950.
UAPD officer Jeff Camper said the first step to stopping drinking and driving is to better educate students on the effects of alcohol.
"Hopefully, they will see this today and be more responsible after the event and save lives," Camper said.
Brian Brockman, a pre-business freshman, said although the event was informative, it is up to students to do something.
"It might change a couple of people's minds," Brockman said. "But it comes down to whether they are really going to change or not."