Fatal Vision Goggles are prevention tools used to educate students about the consequences of alcohol misuse and abuse. The goggles use special lens technology that allows the wearer to experience a realistic simulation of impairment.
In my WELL 175 courses, I have used these goggles to assist students in developing a deeper appreciation about the impact of alcohol and other drugs on their ability to function, and more specifically to illustrate how binge drinking and drugged-driving impairs vision, balance, judgment, reflexes and reaction time. This learning activity reinforces that serious consequences may result when under the influence of alcohol and other drugs including car crashes, biking injuries, falls, assault, and alcohol poisoning. In addition, the goggles help to support an important safety message that students should never ride with someone who has been drinking. And, that no one should drive if they have been drinking or using drugs.
The main purpose of the goggles is to demonstrate to the students that using alcohol and other drugs distorts their perceptions. During the class, I am careful not to give any impressions that feeling drunk is fun or funny, but instead, using alcohol has more negative effects than positive effects.
Prior to the activity, students are shown the course map on the chalkboard to acquaint them with next steps. To prepare for the lesson, a small obstacle course is set-up on the gymnasium floor using basic supplies that could represent traffic cones, speed bumps, curbs, and other road conditions. A pretest and post time is recorded for each student, followed but in-classroom debriefing to explore thoughts and feelings from the activity.
The use of a Spotter/Escort is critically important to this activity. After counting off, students are assigned take turns serving as Spotters/Escorts for their team. This not only decreases the incidence of injury when navigating the course with the goggles, but demonstrates the importance of designated drivers, and the significance of trusted friends when at a party.
