Winter drink drive campaign launched in Dungannon with EVO Simulator

by Gráinne Connolly

Police in Mid Ulster have been working with the Police and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) this week to launch their local winter drink drive campaign.

They used an EVO Simulator to demonstrate the effects that alcohol and drugs can have on the body, impairing perception and putting road users at greater risk of a collision. 
 

To experience the dangers associated with drink and drug driving first hand, some volunteers got the chance to take part in the demonstration which entailed 'driving' the simulator with alcohol and drug impairment goggles on. 

The goggles are used to give the participant the impression of what it is like to drive while impaired through alcohol and drugs. 

Among those to volunteer was GAA Tyrone manager Mickey Harte, Rodney McAree Manager of Dungannon Swifts FC and Christopher Hegarty, a player with the swifts. 

The chair of the PCSP Ken Reid also got involved, alongside students from South West College and Dungannon Integrated College. 

A spokesperson for the PSNI said:

"We're hoping the use of the unique EVO simulator will demonstrate the dangers in stark reality. 

"The EVO Simulator is a mobile lorry with six stations within it, which gives the user a realistic impression of what it is like to drive under certain driving conditions. 

"We want all motorists to think about the consequences to yourself and your family of being involved in a serious collision."