The use of alcohol and other drugs affects all of our lives—whether or not we choose to use them. A traveling DUI simulator and fatal vision goggle exercises were part of the JSRCC Police Department’s alcohol and drug awareness exhibit that recently drew nearly 250 participants to the College’s three campuses. Chayvon McCray, a Reynolds student, participated in the fatal vision goggles driving exercise and noted “after driving with the goggles, I am convinced no one should drink and drive.”
When fatal vision goggles are worn, they allow an individual the opportunity to experience the dangers of impairment from drugs and alcohol without suffering the real consequences. They have a first-hand account of impairment of driving skills, coordination, and personal judgment.
During the exhibit on the Parham Road Campus that was partnered with the Henrico County Police Department, one station provided participants the opportunity to wear the fatal vision goggles while driving in a utility cart through a set of cones to experience the simulated dangers of driving of under the influence of drugs or alcohol. McCray added she thought the goggles “absolutely” helped to bring awareness of the driving dangers. “People shouldn’t drink and drive impaired under any circumstances.”
“According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on average, one in three people will be involved in a drunk driving crash in their lifetime,” said JSRCC Chief of Police Paul Ronca. “That number is astonishing – we have a responsibility to consistently educate our students, faculty and staff about the dangers of driving while impaired.”
