At Crowder’s Neosho campus, they have a drunk driving simulator for all to try! No, you do not get free alcohol, but you put on goggles to make you seem impaired and test how well you drive. Pictured above is Officer Fingerling giving directions to students, directing them on the course, and what to expect.
Even with these directions, students still either take out cones, and/or do the course wrong by not listening clearly to directions. This course is not just about drinking specifically, it’s about being impaired in general whilst driving. When asked, Officer Fingerling explained that “We do not rank how badly one substance impairs you more than another. You are impaired and operating a vehicle, it is a DUI. A bottle or two of Nyquil is enough for a DUI.”
He also began to explain that driver’s ed is becoming rare, along with kids not being able to have the proper experience to learn how to drive. Moving on from that, he also provides the option to text and drive! If you and a friend come, one of them can text you while you drive the course and try to respond.
The Officer also told me he is working on possibly getting a driving simulator with a prop phone to further enhance the experience. He said the machine is about $10,000 all in, and it would help with his second biggest problem after DUI’s. This experience Officer Fingerling puts on is only by request, so if you want him to attend your school, contact all your local supervisors! He also puts on this experience indoors with a pushcart rather than the gas-powered golf cart. Some examples would be rehabs, high schools, and any campus they can spread their message to.
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