NASELLE – Washington State Patrol trooper, Lonnie Eaton, made a visit to Naselle High School Tuesday; not to arrest anyone, but to inform freshmen students in the Choices class on changes in the driving laws. Trooper Eaton had special emphasis on laws concerning driving while under the influence of drugs, including alcohol.

The freshmen learned that when they obtain a driver’s license they will not be able to drive with anyone in the car who has not had at least five years of driving experience, thus making it illegal to take a drive with a group of teenagers in the vehicle. Eaton also explained the new drivers would not be able to drive after 1 a.m.

He emphasized that a .02 alcohol level for any young driver, which is less than one drink, would result in a “baby DUI”. The consequences of a hefty fine, drastically increased insurance rates, and maybe even some time being incarcerated were important considerations in making the choice of whether to drink and drive.

Trooper Eaton then did field sobriety tests with the students-with one important change added. Eaton had several ninth graders do the balance and coordination tests using goggles developed and manufactured by Fatal Vision Company. The goggles simulated a .10 or a .28 blood-alcohol level, allowing the students experience what an intoxicated person would see.

As the students teetered and stumbled, Trooper Eaton asked, “Would you let this person behind the wheel? Would you ride with him or her?” While the behavior of the students was comical, the message was loud and clear and very serious. “My Chief says his goal is to not rest until we get every DUI driver off the road,” Eaton said.

“I would much rather meet you people here at school and make these presentations than to meet you on the road.” Eaton, who has investigated more than 30 fatal car crashes in his career, concluded by saying, “The only thing worse than having to arrest one of you is to find you injured or worse. The choice is yours.”