COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Department of Public Safety officers will unveil their newest tool to curb impaired driving Oct. 21.
At slightly more than six feet and weighing more than 300 pounds, it could be an imposing addition to law enforcement. Instead, the Simulated Impaired Driving Experience (SIDNE) is a diminutive, lime green and black go-cart that connotes fun while carrying a serious message.
“The idea is that someone can get in and drive a pretty fun little car,” Mike Wolfe, sergeant, Public Safety, said. “But with the press of a button, they can experience how delayed reactions and the affect of alcohol or drugs on the central nervous system impair their ability to maintain control. It’s an oh wow’ experience for the driver.”
The first demonstration of a Simulated Impaired Driving Experience (SIDNE) vehicle will take place from 11 am to 2 pm on Oct. 21 near Columbine Hall. Student leaders, campus athletes, university police and top campus officials will participate in the event as part of National Collegiate Alcohol Abuse Awareness Week on campus.
CU-Colorado Springs is the first police department in the state and third university nationally to purchase a SIDNE vehicle.
The SIDNE vehicle is electric-powered and can travel at speeds up to 8 mph, according to Wolfe. The vehicle uses electric steering controls that, at the press of a button, can be delayed so as to simulate the slowed reaction time of a drunk driver. As a result, despite their best efforts, drivers will likely steer into cones or other objects and experience first-hand the difficulty of controlling a vehicle while impaired. The Wisconsin-built vehicle has a multitude of safety devices, ranging from seat belts to electronic stop switches, to ensure driver safety. For more information, visit www.fatalvision.com
Wolfe plans that the SIDNE vehicle will become an integral part of substance abuse education efforts on campus and in the greater Colorado Springs community. The Department of Public Safety, in cooperation with the Division of Student Success, operates a number of programs on campus, including special goggles that help students experience different levels of intoxication, a computer program where participants find themselves in a simulated drunk driving incident and presentations to a student groups.
“This is an opportunity for the campus police to compliment and be part of the overall campus educational mission,” Wolfe said. “By the time most students come to college, they’ve already figured out how to use alcohol and drugs. What they haven’t figured out are the consequences. That’s an educational process where we think we can help.”
The SIDNE vehicle cost about $9,000, Wolfe said. He hopes to purchase another vehicle and a trailer, allowing the program to be taken off campus to local high school and community events. The vehicle’s purchase was made possible through donations by California Casualty Insurance, State Farm Insurance, Drive Smart of Colorado Springs, and by contributions from University Police, Student Housing, the Campus Activities Board and the Student Government Association.
CU-Colorado Springs, located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in northeast Colorado Springs, is the fastest growing university in Colorado and one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. The university offers 25 bachelor’s degrees, 17 master’s and two doctoral degrees. The campus enrolls about 7,800 students annually.