Dwipod aims to educate about drunk driving

By Chelsea Stockton
University News Service
July 3, 2009

The Driving While Intoxicated Portable Onsite Demonstrator, a presentation crafted by Texas State University-San Marcos Police Officer Otto Glenewinkel, is now contracted to be used by the New Braunfels Police Department starting in September.
 
The New Braunfels City Council entered a contract with the Dwipod Corporation June 8, making New Braunfels the first to receive a full-scale Dwipod, a demonstrator that allows students to virtually experience the life-threatening effects of driving while intoxicated. Costing more than $44,000 to construct, the demonstrator will be housed inside a custom-built trailer 22 feet long.
 
Glenewinkel teamed up with UPD Captain Paul Chapa and Alcohol and Drug Resource Center Director Judy Row to organize the nonprofit Dwipod Corporation in 2007. Recognized by the Internal Revenue Service and based in New Braunfels, the nonprofit enables Glenewinkel, Chapa and Row to offer the Dwipod to public service agencies nationally.
 
“The city of New Braunfels has made a commitment to protecting their youth by creating a partnership with the Dwipod Corporation,” Glenewinkel said. “This is a commitment other communities are sure to emulate.”