‘Drunk driving suit’ shows how alcohol affects driving ability
Consisting of tunnel-vision glasses; ear muffs, wrist and ankle weights; and padding to elbows, neck, and knees; the “Drink Driving Suit” makes even simple tasks – such as walking a straight line – much harder.
The suit demonstrates how much more difficult a more complex activity like driving becomes under the influence of alcohol.
“Ford’s ‘Drunk Driving Suit’ is a clever way of enabling people who are sober to safely experience first-hand how significantly their abilities can be affected by alcohol,” Samardzich said.
“The suit means we can show people how much more difficult even simple activities become, as well as teaching them about the dangers of drinking and driving.”
Ford developed the “Drink Driving Suit” with scientists from the Meyer-Hentschel Institut in Germany, a company specialising in research into the effects of mobility impairment.
Ford has also produced a “Third Age Suit” and a “Pregnancy Suit” to better understand the needs of older drivers and expectant mothers.
“People trying on the ‘Drink Driving Suit’ for the first time soon find that they struggle with everyday tasks they would usually take for granted – such as picking up a cup or dialling a telephone number,” said Gundolf Meyer-Hentschel, company founder and chief executive officer.
“It provides a powerful way of reinforcing the serious message of what could happen when driving under the influence of excessive alcohol.”
