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Fatal Vision

 The West Sioux Schools and Hawarden Police Department the have partnered up to bring ÒFatal VisionÓ to both the West Sioux School system and the communities they serve.

What is Fatal Vision?
Fatal Vision is a police run program whose namesake is taken directly from the technology that makes it possible – Fatal Vision Goggles.

When Fatal Vision goggles are worn, they allow an individual the opportunity to experience the dangers of impairment from drugs and alcohol without suffering the real consequences. They have a first-hand account of impairment of driving skills, coordination, and personal judgement.

Innocorp, Ltd. introduced Fatal Vision at the Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Highway Safety in June of 1996, by former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson. InnocorpÕs mission is to promote safety in our schools and communities and to contribute to the reduction of alcohol and other drug fatalities and injuries through innovative, interactive and fun educational programs. Fatal Vision goggles are used for instruction in all 50 states in the United States and in many countries worldwide.

How do Fatal Vision Goggles Work?
Fatal Vision is a specially designed and manufactured pair of goggles that simulate the visual impairment caused by alcohol or other drugs. Fatal Vision goggles appear similar to goggles worn while working in a woodshop, mechanic shop, or while working in the yard. Fatal Vision goggles have specially cut lenses that distort visual perception. Viewing through the goggles is rather clear, but confusing to the mind. When wearing them, a person sees things in a distorted view, as if they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The wearer experiences a loss of equilibrium, which is one of the effects of intoxication. Once a person has them on, they are asked to perform certain tasks that under non-intoxicated circumstances would not seem difficult to complete. With the distortion of the goggles, the tasks become difficult and sometimes even impossible to accomplish. Both the wearer and those observing are convinced that such impairment makes activities with known risks, such driving a vehicle, very dangerous.

The Hawarden Police Department has six pairs of Fatal Vision goggles, three for normal daylight conditions and three that simulate night time conditions. If your group or organization would like a Fatal Vision demonstration, or would like more information please email the Hawarden Police Department or telephone at 551-4430.

If you want to see pictures of the first local "Fatal Vision" training session, click here.