‘Drunk goggles' teach Goshen students about alcohol impairment

GOSHEN — Goshen High School students in Shannan Magnetico’s health class recently learned about the impairments and dangers caused by alcohol while wearing “fatal vision goggles,” also referred to as “drunk goggles.” By wearing the goggles, students were able to view the effects of impairment, including reduced alertness, slowed reaction time, confusion, visual distortion, alteration of depth and distance perception, reduction of peripheral vision, double vision and lack of muscular coordination. The goggles were provided by Officer Anthony Pitt from the Village of Goshen Police Department. Pitt taped a line along the floor and asked students to “walk the line” while wearing the goggles. He also played “catch” with students using a tennis ball. The students found it highly difficult to walk in a straight line and even more difficult to catch and throw the tennis ball. Many times, students would toss the ball back to Pitt but would hit an computer or filing cabinet about three feet away. The “drunk goggles” exercise was one of several activities that addressed drug and alcohol abuse, as well as other important topics, during the week leading up to the senior prom.