Dutchess County Sheriff's Department To Receive Funding From Senator Saland For School Dwi Education

The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office will soon be providing fatal vision goggles and training equipment for DWI education to school districts throughout the county, thanks to a grant secured from Senator Steve Saland (R,C Poughkeepsie).

The fatal vision goggles, when used with a driving simulator, simulate effects of impairment, including reduced alertness, slowed reaction time, confusion, visual distortion, alteration of depth and distance perception, reduction of peripheral vision, poor judgment and decision making, double vision, and lack of muscular coordination. The goggles represent various BAC levels and allow students to experience the effects of alcohol. These effects are based on the average person consuming alcohol under average circumstances.

"We appreciate Senator Saland for supporting our efforts to teach young people about the dangers of underage drinking," said Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian "Butch" Anderson. "Although law enforcement and other agencies have worked together throughout Dutchess County to increase awareness of the problem of underage drinking, there are still many serious and fatal accidents that are a direct result of driving while intoxicated or under the influence. The fatal vision goggles will help our efforts to reach young people in Dutchess County by giving them the opportunity to experience first hand, the effects of driving while impaired, and will hopefully reduce the number of accidents in our community."

"I am pleased to assist the Sheriff's Office with their efforts to educate children of the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs," said Senator Saland. "We have seen too many tragic deaths and injuries associated with drinking before the age of 21," said Senator Saland. "We need to develop more effective strategies to curb underage drinking, such as the use of the fatal vision goggles technology, to effectively address this serious public health issue. Through the use of the goggles, students will have the opportunity to experience the effects of alcohol impairment at various BAC levels without putting themselves or others at risk. This technology will show them the dangerous effects of drinking and driving and will hopefully save lives. It is educational and, at the same time, should serve as a deterrent."