West Lothian school pupils learn dangers of drink driving with ‘beer googles’

Hundreds of students in West Lothian recently experienced a sobering lesson on the dangers of drink driving, thanks to virtual reality ‘beer goggles’. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the risks associated with driving under the influence as part of a renewed effort to promote road safety among young drivers in the region.

More than 800 sixth-year students from various schools in West Lothian participated in the WestDrive scheme, which spanned three days and was led by local police in collaboration with the police traffic department and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. This event marked the revival of the program after a hiatus of five years due to funding issues and disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the event, students had the opportunity to experience simulated drunk driving through virtual reality technology, commonly known as ‘beer goggles’, which simulated the impaired judgement and delayed reactions associated with alcohol consumption. Additionally, the program included presentations from road traffic officers, showcasing accident videos, damaged vehicles, and rescue procedures, as well as guidance from drug and alcohol specialists.

Chief Inspector Elaine McArthur-Kerr expressed a desire to expand the WestDrive initiative in the future to cover more aspects of personal safety for young adults entering adulthood. The feedback from the students who participated was overwhelmingly positive, with many acknowledging the potential impact of the program on their attitudes towards driving and passenger safety.

Although the turnout of 66 percent of sixth-year students was deemed satisfactory, efforts are underway to secure additional funding and support to increase participation in the scheme next year. The success of the WestDrive scheme underscores the importance of proactive education and awareness-raising initiatives in nurturing responsible road behaviours among young drivers in the community.

In conclusion, the West Lothian students’ engagement in the WestDrive program serves as a proactive step towards instilling a culture of safety and responsibility on the roads. By leveraging innovative technologies and expert guidance, the initiative effectively highlights the perils of drink driving and empowers young drivers to make informed choices that prioritise the safety of themselves and others on the road.