OXFORD – When the Oxford Police Department asked different organizations for grants or donations for their annual driver’s education program at Oxford Academy High School, they did not have any luck.
Their luck changed when they asked Human Resource Manager Luke Murphy of Norwich Pharma Services if the company could help them with their goal. Once Norwich Pharma Services knew what the cause was for, they were immediately on board.
“We have taught this class for ten years. We teach students all about the driving laws and how to stay safe on the road. During one of our classes, students started asking more questions about driving under the influence,” said Chief Richard Nolan of the Oxford Police Department. This gave the Oxford PD the idea to purchase interactive equipment like Fatal Vision Goggles and driver simulation software to teach students more about driving under the influence. Norwich Pharma Services bought the equipment for the new Oxford PD facilitated program.
Fatal Vision Goggles give the sober-minded a chance to see how a blood alcohol content of the average DUI (Driving Under the Influence) offender will affect their senses and coordination. The driver simulation program has a steering wheel and an interactive program that allows someone to experience driving while intoxicated without the potential consequences.
Chenango County’s Stop DWI Coordinator Kathy Clemens said, “When students participate in shock programs which are a one-time event on a short-term basis, along with an educational component, they are very affective in preventing driving under the influence.”
Clemens conducts her own drug and alcohol course that includes mock courtrooms and funerals to help students face the potential consequences of driving under the influence.
Clemens said that what the Oxford PD is doing with Norwich Pharma Services is “good for technical and visual learners.”
Clemens further explained that the one-time visceral experience and the educational discussion afterwards is what helps children see the benefits of only driving sober. “They can see the difference,” said Clemens.
“We have a serious drinking and drugging problem in the County, and we can not bury our heads in the sand. There are solutions out there,” said Clemens. After researching direct studies, she has concluded that shock programs with an educational component are one of those solutions.
“I believe the new drivers are going to benefit from the program. I think it is important to influence them when they are young; before they are on the road. I think this program is going to make a difference,” said Nolan, explaining that it was the children who inspired the program in the first place to learn more about drinking and driving.
“We have seen four times the amount of DWI arrests compared to last year. Drivers who choose to drive under the influence and get behind the wheel are recklessly putting lives of our community members in jeopardy. We are taking preventative measures,” said Nolan.
Nolan said the goal of the program is to answer the students’ questions and educate them and ultimately, “to make our community a safer place.”