40 driving schools start using Drunk Busters Goggles

The goggles offer entering the drunken condition as a part of driving classes, thus contributing to public awareness of this issue and foster safer roads.

In order to prevent and demonstrate the dangers of drinking and driving, the All-Ukrainian Union of Driving Schools includes the “Test Safe” training in the driver training program. In the course of the training, drivers will test Drunk Busters Goggles. “These glasses create the effect of a drunken state. It allows people to realize why it is irresponsible to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol,” said Vladyslav Krykliy, director of the Main Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, at a press briefing held at Ukraine Crisis Media Center. The training is organized in the framework of program “Drank? Do not get behind the wheel!” aimed at increasing public awareness to the problem of drinking and driving.

Illya Scherbyna, head of all-Ukrainian Union of Driving Schools, noted that the current program does not include a lecture that would draw special attention of the future drivers to the dangers of drunk driving. Information on the impact of alcohol on the nervous system (theoretical part) combined with practical demonstration is a powerful safeguard for the future. “When you realize that you cannot walk even two meters distance in these glasses, it is easier to imagine what would happen if you are driving in this condition,” emphasized Vladyslav Krykliy.

The training is launched as a pilot project in 40 driving schools. “These are the largest schools that every year train about 60 thousand persons to be drivers,” noted Vladyslav Krykliy. The organisers also plan to make training for students. The action will be permanent is expected to gradually involve more institutions. “I hope this campaign will go beyond the social project, and such lessons will be conducted in every driving school,” added Denys Khrenov, acting General Director of “SUN InBev Ukraine,” project partner.

The organizers expressed hope that this training along with the information campaign and increased responsibility for drunk driving, will improve the traffic situation. Vladyslav Krykliy reminded that in 2015, the authorities recoded 93,000 drunken driving cases. Of them, over 2,300 cases resulted in road accidents as a result 300 people died and more than 3,000 were injured.