Newsroom

CORVALLIS - Oregon State University students are planning "Impact 99," a two-day kick-off to Memorial Day weekend that gives local residents a chance to drive the state's "Fatal Vision" car - a vehicle equipped to simulate driving while intoxicated

To increase driver awareness of the dangers of driving on Memorial Day weekend, the OSU student group Helping Our Peers Effectively, will also stage a mock alcohol-related traffic accident at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, in the OSU Memorial Union Quad.

Fire and ambulance personnel will "extract victims" from the wreckage with the "jaws of life" and the event will be narrated and include live actors. After the rescue, a speaker will talk about how drinking and driving forever altered his life.

On Wednesday, May 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Fatal Vision car will be at OSU's Parker Stadium's Gate 14. Also on-hand will be a life flight helicopter, which is scheduled to land at noon, the Corvallis Fire and Police Departments, an Oregon State Police Camaro and motorcycles, trauma nurses, Benton County sheriff deputies, seatbelt demonstrations, live broadcasts by KRKT, Flight 101.5, and 106.1 radio stations and free food and drinks.

State police say the Fatal Vision car simulates drunken driving by using special goggles. Drivers will have a chance to drive a course with a state trooper in the car with them.

Oregon State University Housing and Dining Services donated food and will run the barbecue and Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Corvallis will supply free refreshments.