Westside seniors Meredith Matz, Samantha Wahl and Karissa Williams oriented their DECA project around preventing teen drunk driving in the Omaha community. Throughout this week these students have been providing activities for Westside students that are focused around the dangers of driving while under the influence. For one of the activities, the students offered donuts to those who participated; with the donuts courtesy of Dunkin’ Donuts located on the corner of 90th Street and West Center road.

“Dunkin’ donated a bunch of donuts and coupons for us [in order for us to facilitate this activity],” Matz said. “[Westside’s] healthy living [course] provided us with the [drunk] goggles.”

This morning, Friday, Jan. 24, during mod 1, the students used the donuts to incentivize others to try on “drunk goggles” which gives the user the experience of seeing as if they are impaired. They provided goggles to students and had them walk in a straight line, trying to encourage students to make better decisions while operating a motor vehicle. 

“[Having students try on drunk goggles] was in order to raise awareness about preventing drunk driving,” Williams said. “We’ve gotten a good turnout so far, it’s also fun for students to get involved [with these kind of activities] during open mods.”

According to the organizers, Marketing teachers Kalen Carlson and Bart Jeseritz have been helpful in executing their DECA project. Other Westside staff involved are Healthy Living and Physical Education teacher Justin Haberman, Assistant Principal Trudi Nolin and Superintendent Mike Lucas. 

“I am interested in helping any students to be successful,” Haberman said. “The group of girls came to me trying to do a great event for the students of Westside High School, and [healthy living] had the materials to supply them with.”

Haberman said that when students wear the “drunk goggles” it completely alters their vision and shows them the consequences of being under the influence. 

“[Your perspective changes] when you put those goggles on; [wearing them] completely distorts your vision,” Haberman said. “When alcohol is [consumed] it slows down your reaction time significantly; you travel at a higher rate of speed while driving than when you’re walking, so think about what [alcohol] is really doing when you’re behind the wheel of a car.”