Technology is helping police convince Quad City area teens not to drink and drive.

The police department in Wilton, Iowa broke out the drunk-busters goggles and a motorized utility cart to help demonstrate the effects of alcohol. It was quickly evident that students who wore them, could barely function behind the wheel.

The goggles simulate the blurry vision and unsteady gate than can come with intoxication. Police Chief Tim Leathers says the demonstration is very convincing.

"We can stand in front of the class all day long, probably show some videos and pictures and it doesn't get through," said Leathers. "But when they find out what it's like for themselves, what it would be like intoxicated and they can feel for themselves that they cannot handle a car with out going off the road and killing somebody, then they take that message away and it will help them survive."

"I thought it was realistic of what it would be like to drive drunk," said student Raechel Mullen. "I hit two cones, so I would have killed two people."

Mullen says she drove at a pace that she normally would and felt it was much too fast for her impairment. She observed other students who "drove like grandmas".

Wilton High School Principal Ken Crawford said the event is part of the drug and alcohol awareness effort known as Red Ribbon Week. He says the demonstration also helps build a positive relationship between students and the police.

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