In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, the Blue Ridge Job Corps Center welcomed Virginia State Trooper, Jay Ferland to Center on April 25, 2018, for a presentation on the inherent dangers of intoxication in association with the operation of motor vehicles. Following a brief introduction, Trooper Ferland facilitated his presentation with an interactive lecture in which student volunteers were able to experience the visual/sensory distortions associated with different states and degrees of intoxication, using various “goggles,” created to simulate the types of visual impairment related to the use of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, etc. While subject to the “impairment,” created by these devices, the students were put through various tasks, typically associated with field sobriety tests utilized by the State Troopers in traffic stops. Suffice it to say, the students were less than proficient in the completion of these tasks and failed miserably.

Following the illustration of the effects of various types of impairment upon visual and motor functions, Trooper Ferland led all the students from the gymnasium to the parking lot for a constructed obstacle course with roadway cones. Students were tasked with navigating the course in a golf cart while wearing the impairment goggles, each of the cones represented a pedestrian. Despite the students’ best efforts, numerous cones were harmed in the facilitation of the exercise.

Overall, the presentation was successful in the respectful attentiveness/participation of the student body, and the authoritative (yet personable) delivery by Trooper Ferland, being key to the fulfillment of the presentation’s objectives. While it could be confidently stated that there was a tremendous tone of amusement and lighthearted joviality amid the proceedings, there were constant reminders throughout, of the underpinning, deadly seriousness of the message that was being conveyed. It would be safe to say that the true message of the presentation was not lost on our students.