West Lothian school pupils got a hands-on lesson about the dangers of drink driving through a unique experience with ‘beer goggles’. More than 800 sixth-year students from various schools in the county participated in the WestDrive scheme aimed at educating young drivers on road safety.
The initiative, which was recently revitalised, involved the use of virtual reality technology to simulate the effects of driving under the influence of alcohol. The three-day event was led by local police in collaboration with the police traffic department and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. This year’s participation rate of 66% was seen as a positive start, with plans already in motion to secure additional funding and support for expanding the program in the future.
WestDrive originally started in 2007 and provided road safety lessons for new drivers or those preparing to start driving lessons. The event included presentations from road traffic officers and the fire service, showcasing road accident videos, damaged vehicles, and rescue techniques. The highlight of the program was the use of ‘beer goggles’ to demonstrate the impaired judgment and delayed reactions associated with driving while intoxicated.
Feedback from students who took part in the program was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing that it would make them more cautious drivers and passengers. Moving forward, there are hopes to further develop WestDrive to incorporate other aspects of personal safety for young adults entering into the next phase of their lives.
The West Lothian community remains committed to educating its youth on road safety and fostering a culture of responsible driving habits. With the success and positive reception of the WestDrive scheme, it is evident that such initiatives play a crucial role in shaping the behaviours and attitudes of young drivers towards road safety.