Drug-driving suit developed

Ford of Europe has come up with a driving suit that simulates what it’s like to drive under the influence of illicit drugs. It was developed with the Meyer-Hentschel Institute in Germany and is a follow-up to last year’s drunk-driving suit. It can simulate the effects of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, MDMA and ecstasy. It features weights and bandages on the wrist, neck, elbow, ankle and knees to slow and restrict movement, and affects the driver’s balance. Headphones play distracting background sounds, and are paired with goggles that impair vision and cause tunnel vision, while a tremor generator which causes hands to shake. Gundolf Meyer-Hentschel, chief executive officer of the Meyer-Hentschel Institute, says: “Drug users sometimes see flashing lights in their peripheral field. This effect is 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.” Ford will incorporate the suit into its driving skills for life programme across Europe and the US.