In Japan, a driving school is causing a stir by offering "drink-driving lessons" as a means of showing young drivers the dangers of the practice firsthand.
A driving school in Chikushino, Fukuoka has just launched this brand-new, one-of-a-kind experiment: encouraging students to drink alcohol during their driving lesson in order to get a better idea of its effects.
According to an article in the Mainichi Shimbun, this initiative was conceived of in the wake of a tragedy that took place some 15 years ago but which has left a deep scar on the city, an accident in which three children were killed by a drunk driver.
The aim of the new program is to present young drivers with the dangers of drinking and driving, in a blunt yet safe way, since the instructor can take control of the vehicle at any time.
A unique approach to combating dangerous behavior!
First, the students negotiate different stretches of road, before parking and having one or more drinks.
After measuring their alcohol level, they drive the same route again, while also taking note of differences in terms of reaction time and precision in their alcohol-impaired driving.
It's worth noting that the local police are backing this action, pointing out in an extensive communication campaign that alcohol consumption considerably slows down a driver's judgment and ability to maneuver a vehicle.
But the greatest danger is that, even under the influence of alcohol, a driver often still thinks they are driving safely.
Some other initiatives used by driving schools to make students aware of the dangers of drinking and driving include mandatory sessions on the science, screening graphic visual imagery or even wearing drunk goggles and taking the wheel.
But this appears to be the first time anyone has dared to ask a student to drink before settling into the driving seat next to their instructor.
