By Angie Thompson, Senior Reporter
TIFTON — Tift County High School students were able to experience first-hand Wednesday what it feels like to drink and drive during the Operation Drive Smart program held on the school’s campus. They were also encouraged to make the right choices to keep themselves and everyone else on the road safe.
The students, all of whom were old enough to have their driver’s licenses, were allowed to participate in various exhibits and activities on the TCHS campus. The Georgia Motor Trucking Association’s exhibit, sponsored by Wal-Mart and Publix, was an opportunity for students to learn how drivers of semis and other large vehicles have difficulty seeing in certain “blind spots.” Students learned how to drive defensively in those situations.
A roll-over simulator demonstrated to students the importance of wearing seat belts at all times. Team demonstrated proper braking, the effects of speeding and how drivers can react in situations that cause their vehicles to slide or skid.
Probably the most popular area for students was an obstacle course. The object of the course was to demonstrate the lack of control an intoxicated driver has on the road. On the course, students put on goggles that blocked their vision comparable to the affect of drinking four beers and drove golf carts through orange cones on the course. Sgt. Steve Daniels, a member of the Duluth Police Department, had control of the golf cart’s accelerator and brakes. Students were surprised as they attempted to steer the golf carts under those conditions as they knocked a few cones over along the way.
“Your fine motor skills are gone,” Daniels said. “It gives them a feel for what it is like.”
“It’s all about choices,” Daniels told the students. “Before you get in a car, think about it. Which is worse, being put on restriction or winding up in a coffin. Call your parents or call a friend before you drink and drive, or get in a car with someone who has been drinking.”
The program was coordinated by Tift County High coach and drivers’ education teacher Stacy Duckworth, and paid for through a grant. Duckworth said this year was the first time the Operation Drive Smart program was used and he was pleased with the results.
“I think the kids do better with hands-on activities,” Duckworth said. “Last year we had them seated in the gym watching videos of bad wrecks. This program went over better.”
Other agencies which participated in the program included the Tift County Sheriff’s Office, the Tifton Police Department and the Tifton Fire Department.
