Beer goggles open Herefordshire students' eyes

1:00pm Saturday 5th July 2008

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STUDENTS at a Herefordshire college have donned their 'beer goggles' to become aware of the effects of drinking and driving.

Students at Herefordshire College of Technology (HCT) drove a remote control car around a course as part of their threeweek safer driving campaign.

According to Debbie Davis, of Hereford and Worcester Fire Service, the results were eye-opening.

“The goggles are meant to show the effects of three or four pints on someone’s driving,” she said. “The idea is to show alcohol impairment and it’s a fun way of getting a serious message across.”

Several groups – including the fire service, Herefordshire Council and Herefordshire Community Drugs Partnership – have joined the campaign, which started on June 3.

And whether it’s drink, speed or car maintenance, the Drive 4 Safer Driving campaign has been getting the message across.

According to Sammy Powell, of HCT, the priority is reducing accidents on the county’s roads, while making students aware of their vehicles and what to do in an emergency.

“We are well aware that young drivers are more likely to be involved in a crash – this campaign is about getting people to make the right choice when they get behind the wheel,” she said.

“We’ve invited students to come along, have an informal chat and take part in the activities – it’s been very positive and hopefully it will make a difference.”

According to national statistics, one in five new drivers is involved in a crash during their first year of driving. Some of this may come from inexperience, but drink and drugs are also a factor.

The campaign – which took place at the Hereford and Holme Lacy campuses – also included demonstrations on basic car maintenance, while the fire service offered first aid guidance and emergency advice.