Several sections of students at New Ulm High School got a chance to experience the difficulties of impaired driving on Thursday, thanks to impaired vision goggles and cell phones.

Students tried to drive pedal cars through a course while wearing goggles that simulate being intoxicated, or while trying to send a text message.

Students also tried to catch tennis balls while texting, or shoot baskets while wearing the special goggles.

It was a lesson in what happens to people when they drink, or when they let themselves get distracted behind the wheel.

Above, Jacob Sellner attempts to drive straight while texting a six word message.

Photos by Clay Schuldt

Special Ed. Para Professional Jane Geiger attempts to drive the obstacle course while wearing the fatal vision goggles. Even with more driving experience than the students she couldn’t avoid hitting several cones.

Katelyn Sarkar heads for a cone on the course.

Michael Riser hits a cone soon while driving with the fatal vision goggles. This is the second cone Riser has hit on this attempt to complete the course.

New Ulm Police Officer Mike Brehmer, National Guard member Cameron Jeske and Health Teacher Anita Longtin summarize the dangers of driving under the influence and driving while texting. Brehmer said many people while under the influence think they are safe to drive, but this is only due to an altered sense of perception.