Golf carts, ‘beer goggles’ to teach students about dangers of drunk driving

Golf carts, ‘beer goggles’ to teach students about dangers of drunk drivingSeptember 08, 2006Matthew R. Snydermrsnyder@syr.edu

On Tuesday, Sept. 12, Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students will have the opportunity to don Virtual Intoxication Goggles — “beer goggles,” which simulate the effects of alcohol — and attempt to drive a golf cart through an obstacle course. The free event will take place from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at Hendricks Field, near Sadler and Lawrinson halls.

Virtual Intoxication Golf Cart Navigation helps students understand the danger and impairments of drunk driving. The goggles’ purpose is to slightly distort the location of objects and blur visual clarity, simulating a .15 or higher blood alcohol content. Students driving the carts experience the loss of control and impaired reactions that result from intoxication. Individual students, student organizations and class groups attending the event will also participate in a virtual intoxication water balloon toss, field sobriety tests, trivia competitions, musical entertainment, giveaways and resources related to alcohol and other drug abuse prevention.

The popular program, which is part of SU’s comprehensive environmental management strategy for addressing the problems caused by alcohol and other drug use, was featured this spring on ABC’s national morning show, “Good Morning America.” It is sponsored by Division of Student Affairs units, including the Office of Prevention Services, Office of Residence Life and Office of Off-Campus Student Services, in partnership with ESF.

For more information, call the Office of Prevention Services at (315) 443-4234.