drug

The Ford Motor Company and Germany’s Meyer-Hentschel Institute developed a unique suit that warns drivers of the consequences of driving under the influence of drugs such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 18% of all motor vehicle driver deaths are due to intake of drugs other than alcohol.

Driving under the influence of drugs leads to poor coordination, distorted vision, slowed reaction and hand tremors.

The ‘Drugged Driving Suit’ will be included into driver education programme Ford Driving Skills for Life.

Ford Driving Skills for Life global programme manager James Graham said: "Driving after taking illegal drugs can have potentially fatal consequences for the driver, their passengers, and other road users.

"We have already seen first-hand the eye-opening effect that our Drunk Driving Suit has had on those who wear it, and are confident that our new Drugged Driving Suit will have a similar impact."

The new suit simulates the effects of reduced mobility, vision and coordination with padding and ankle weights, goggles and headphones.

"We know that some drugs can cause trembling hands, so we incorporated a device into the suit that creates just such a tremor."

Meyer-Hentschel Institute CEO Gundolf Meyer-Hentschel said: "We know that some drugs can cause trembling hands, so we incorporated a device into the suit that creates just such a tremor.

"Drug users sometimes see flashing lights in their peripheral field, an effect recreated by our goggles, while imaginary sounds are generated by the headphones.

"Additionally, the goggles distort perception, and produce colourful visual sensations – a side effect of LSD use."

Image: The new suit simulates the effects of reduced mobility, vision and coordination with padding and ankle weights, goggles and headphones. Photo: courtesy of Ford.