A joint effort between the RHS Driver’s Education program and the Rutland City Police Department helped to educate RHS students on the risks and consequences of driving while under the influence of alcohol.  Officer Tarbell gave the students an opportunity to simulate the experience of being pulled over and having to perform several sobriety tests while having the sensation of being intoxicated.   This sensation was accomplished by special goggles worn by the students during the activity.  Students found that they had great difficulty doing tests that would be easy under normal circumstances.

Although the students had fun with this simulation, Officer Tarbell brought the students back to reality with a few poignant questions. He asks,   “How would you feel if someone was on the road driving in this condition?  Would you feel safe?” Finally, “How would you feel if you made the decision to either drive with someone in this condition or be a driver in this condition and have someone badly injured or killed as a result?”

While students enjoyed participating in this activity, they also remarked that their attitude has changed about drinking and driving.