Police deploy 'drunk suit' in battle against impaired driving

As police in Calgary brace for the yearly spike in drinking and driving infractions during Stampede week, officers showed off a newtool for encouraging motorists to stay sober behind the wheel.

The "drunkdriving suit", developed for Ford at the Meyer-Hentschel Institute in Germany, gives the wearer the illusion of being impaired by alcohol or drugs.

It consists of goggles that disorient vision, sound deadening ear muffs and balance-throwing ankle and wrist weights.

Members of the media got the chance to donthe gear and try to pass a sobriety test at a demonstration on Wednesday.

"It's completely disorienting," said CBC Calgary reporter Devin Heroux. "There's no way it would be safe to operate a vehicle in that condition."

"Suffice to say I failed the sobriety test miserably, he added.

So far this year, more than 1,000 people in have been charged with impaired driving in Calgary. And there have been four alcohol-related traffic deaths, police said.

The suit can be a great way to open peoples eyes to the dangers of driving drunk, said Insp. Ken Thrower.

Just to make sure you understand, you know some people, theyve had a few drinks and think theyre feeling OK, and you know, one day you have two or three. But you know what, you got two hours sleep and you didnt eat, so guess what, its like having six or seven.

Police plan to make the suit available for demonstrations in schools or to interested groups.