Pedal pushers

TTPD program discourages drunken driving “It gives young people an idea of what it’s like to drive under the influence.”

Texarkana, Texas, Police Department is aiming to teach people about the dangers of drinking and driving with the help of tools donated by Texarkana Emergency Center.

TTPD recently received two adultsize pedal cars and goggles that impair eyesight in much the same way as alcohol or drugs can diminish sight.

“What we can do is let people drive (the pedal cars) with these goggles that simulate various states of intoxication. It gives young people an idea of what it’s like to drive under the influence in a safe environment, and hopefully it will make an impression and prevent them from driving under the influence,” said Shawn Vaughn, TTPD public information officer.

The Police Department will take the pedal cars to schools, civic organizations and community events to deliver a pointed message, Vaughn said.

“The key here is that even a small amount of alcohol has an effect on someone’s driving. If they get an idea of how difficult driving can be in this controlled environment, much less in a actual car, maybe it will prevent them from ever trying it.”

The legal blood-alcohol content for an adult driver in Texas is less than .08.

“For a man that could be two or three drinks in an hour, and for a smaller woman even less than that,” Vaughn said.

For minors even a trace of alcohol could land them in a jail cell.

As education about drinking and

driving has increased, the rate of fatalities has gone down in the past 30 years, but Vaughn said the numbers are still too high.

“The rate of fatal accidents involving alcohol is still about one every 50 minutes and 10 to 15 percent of all alcohol-related fatalities involve people under the age of 18.”

Vaughn said he’s been trying to get this program off the ground for about three years but had trouble finding adult-size pedal cars.

Texarkana Emergency Center officials are happy to support this program.

“Education is key and prevention is key,” said Brooke Marshall, director of marketing for TEC.

Dr. Matt Young, owner of TEC, has seen the devastating effect drinking and driving can have on people.

“Being in emergency medicine, so many times you see death and destruction related to alcohol. … We’re excited to be able to provide this to the community,” Young said.

Schools or civic groups interested in having an education event with the pedal cars can call Vaughn at 903-798-3114.

Staff photo by Evan Lewis Shawn Vaughn, Texarkana, Texas, Police Department public information officer, directs officers through an exercise Thursday on the department's new intoxication simulator at the department's Special Operations and Training Center. The pedal carts and...

Staff photo by Evan Lewis Dr. Matt Young speaks to Texarkana, Texas, police officers Thursday during the unveiling of the department’s intoxication simulation at the department’s Special Operations and Training Center. Young donated the simulation equipment, including pedal...