Clay-Chalkville students experience driving under influence, learn dangers
By Gary Lloyd
TRUSSVILLE — Thirty Clay-Chalkville High School students last week got the chance to feel what it’s like to drive under the influence of alcohol and drive distracted.
Over the past 10 years, Clay-Chalkville High School health education teacher Marsha Hancock has taken her sophomore students to the Trussville Play Station to participate in a program called DUI Experience.
A student attempts to navigate around the orange cones while wearing “Fatal Vision” goggles last week at the Trussville Play Station.
photo by Ron Burkett
“This program went along with my curriculum on drinking/driving, texting/driving and the use of seat belts,” Hancock said.
Teachers and teenage drivers from Curry High School also participated in the experience, which was hosted by State Farm, Trussville Play Station, Alabama State Troopers, Jefferson State Community College and Children’s of Alabama.
“They are doing research on teen driving through various activities and allowing the students to evaluate the dangers they face when driving,” Hancock said prior to the event.
The event featured hands-on demonstrations of the dangers of driving while distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. On the mini-golf course, students learned about distractions by trying to play putt-putt while eating, texting, talking on the phone and applying makeup.
Students try to walk in a straight line while wearing “Fatal Vision” goggles.
photo by Ron Burkett
The event also featured various teaching stations and guest speakers who talked with students. One event was driving go-carts wearing “Fatal Vision” goggles, which simulated impairment from drugs or alcohol.
“It is a sight to behold,” Hancock said.
The state of Alabama ranks in the top five in the number of teen drivers and teen passengers killed in motor vehicle crashes.
By presenting the information in an interactive, entertaining and creative fashion, the goal was for the students to be encouraged to share the safety messages they learned with the classmates, families and friends throughout their communities.
Clay-Chalkville High School sophomore Chad Murdock said the experience was fun and informative.
Clay-Chalkville High School students learn about where they’ll end up if they drive distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
photo by Ron Burkett
“I learned that there are many distractions that happen while you’re in the car, like phone, radio and other passengers. I also learned how dangerous it is to drive while intoxicated and how you could be the person that affects another person’s life. There is always time to answer a text or call somebody back once you reach your destination. Overall it was really fun.”
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.
