Sat Nov 07 2009
Wilkinson Street School and Frankfort Middle School students experienced the effects of drinking and driving Tuesday from the safety of their gymnasium.
Wayne Alexander, of the Kentucky Crime Prevention Coalition, was showing FMS students what it is like to drive impaired.
Students participated in three activities using vision impairment goggles, which simulate the effects of drinking alcohol.
They wore the goggles while they were given field sobriety tests, attempted free throws, and drove a scooter around a cone course. This tested the student's hand-eye coordination and balance with the goggles.
Completing wasn't easy. They ran into cones, failed sobriety tests, and missed the backboard altogether when shooting free throws.
FMS student Catherine Baxter, 13, said the driving was very challenging.
"You get all wobbly and you don't know where you're driving," Baxter said.
Alexander began the simulation by stressing the importance of refusing to ride with an impaired driver.
"Whatever you do, you do not want to get in a car with anyone who has been drinking," Alexander told the students.
Alexander also urged the students to wear safety belts every time they ride in a vehicle.
The Hands on Student Simulation is designed to impact kids before they begin driving or drinking. The simulation aims to show students the dangers of riding with someone who is intoxicated.
"The main point is to educate and inform (students) about getting in a car with someone who has been drinking," Alexander said.
FMS teacher Tom Edgett agreed that students should be educated early to prevent drunken driving.
"I think at 14, they'll listen more than when they're 17," Edgett said.
Edgett's co-worker, FMS teacher Lisa Frye, echoed his statement.
"Once they're in ninth grade, you've waited too long," Frye said.
KCPC features various programs to inform Kentucky's youth about dangers of drugs and alcohol such as the Fatal Experience Driving Simulation.
FEDS is a similar program designed to reach high school students who are more at risk to drink and drive. FEDS gives students the chance to drive a golf cart around a larger course while wearing the vision impairment goggles.
Alexander and the KCPC conduct drunk driving simulations free of charge in schools around Kentucky.
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