Members and friends of the Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity gathered last night to discuss and learn about one of State College's growing problems -- drunk driving.

The fraternity invited Officer Brian Bittner from the University Police and Bill Huston from the Office of Judicial Affairs to speak at the Pollock Cultural Lounge.

Attendees learned how police officers determine if someone is driving under the influence and the legal consequences, as well as the academic ones.

Since June 1, the Office of Judicial Affairs has disciplined 100 students guilty of driving under the influence, Huston said.

Of those guilty, Huston added, 49 have occurred since October 28, the night Anthony Torsell allegedly killed one pedestrian and seriously injured another.

"The more serious the outcome, the more serious the sanctions," Huston said. "Frankly, it's time we get real about this. It's not a violation that only affects you."

Students present learned possible outcomes of different offenses, and what the legal impairments are. Some members of the audience even demonstrated what a 0.15 blood alcohol content would look like by donning goggles that simulate what a person would see if they were under the influence.

"A lot of students don't know the consequences that can occur with drinking and driving under the influence," Sean Noisette (senior-accounting) said. "It doesn't affect them; it affects everyone."

Both Bittner and Huston stressed the importance of planning and evaluating certain circumstances before students go out for the night.

"Just plan out everything," Bittner said. "Know what to do and where you will be."