Lexchront@yahoo.com

Chapin High School held an assembly Friday morning for students to learn about the dangers of drinking and driving.

South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper David Jones demonstrated the perils of impaired driving to the juniors and seniors using “DUI goggles.”

After donning the headgear, students were instructed to walk a straight line, putting one foot in front of the other.

Another exercise asked a student to attempt to stand on one foot while holding the other foot above the ground.

The demonstration exposed the difficulty of completing fairly simple tasks while under the influence of alcohol or substance.

Jones said drivers see things differently when drinking. He also said that officers can tell when a driver is impaired.

Troopers from all over the state will come to the Midlands for a two-week period, with the mission to detect distracted drivers.

Jones also introduced a student to the assembly.

The young man told the crowd that two years ago he and his friend had been drinking in Five Points. The student crashed his car, and his friend was killed.

The student is now facing the prospect of years in prison because he decided to drink and drive.

After speaking, Jones encouraged the Chapin High students to sign the “Prom Promise,” pledge to not drink on prom night.

After Jones spoke, the students got the chance to drive a golf cart while wearing the DUI goggles to show how their judgement is affected after drinking.