This week, students from Hamilton Heights Middle School participated in a unique educational activity under the guidance of Sgt. K. Crask, DRE, and Deputy J. Ireland, SRO, featuring Fatal Vision Alcohol Impairment Goggles.
“Students were asked to walk in a straight line, then take nine heel-to-toe steps, turn, and take nine heel-to-toe steps back,” explained Deputy Ireland. The new education tool designed to show participants the real-life risks of alcohol impairment safely. “Students were surprised that these seemingly easy tasks turned difficult when simulating the impact of alcohol impairment through goggles. It was a powerful experience.”
The real-time, interactive activity was designed to help demonstrate the impact of alcohol, which is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth in the United States today. On average, underage drinkers consume more drinks per occasion than adult drinkers. They are also among the most vulnerable for health risks associated with binge drinking, alcohol poisoning, and drunk driving. In fact, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the average age when youth first try alcohol is 11 years for boys and 13 years for girls.
Thanks to the generous purchase of the Fatal Vision Alcohol Impairment Goggles by Monica Greer, Executive Director of the Council on Alcohol & Other Drugs, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office can provide this educational tool to the D.A.R.E. educators charged with educating the youth or other members of your community about the dangers of alcohol abuse. #FatalVisionGoggles
D.A.R.E. is a comprehensive K-12 prevention education program taught in thousands of schools in America. This program is taught by law enforcement officers who mentor students in good decision-making skills that will help them lead safe and healthy lives, including avoiding drugs, alcohol, violence, bullying and internet safety.