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Wet Lab helps law enforcement, understand DUI

Posted at 6:12 PM, Dec 15, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-15 19:12:40-05

It’s the time of year for holiday parties and often alcohol is involved, but area police are warning you do not drink and drive.

DUI’s skyrocket this time of year as well.

On Friday, area law enforcement agencies held a wet-lab to study the impacts of drinking and driving.

“If you drink don't get behind the wheel,” said OPD officer Matthew Kelly. “We target enforcement of DUI drivers and of course they pose a major problem in the roadways.”

A handful of participants drink beer and liquor for hours in the Wet Lab. It's a controlled space where police officers can learn from their characteristics as to how much is too much for you to drive.

“They realize just how much little alcohol can affect their cognitive ability and certainly their driving abilities,” said Kelly.

The volunteers go through various tests like a virtual driving simulator.

“I mean it's a fun way to spend a Friday afternoon right beats working,” said volunteer Bob Morrison who wanted to see how much alcohol he could drink before he failed the tests, “I've never been a big drinker  but i've always been curious like how much can you drink and still drive.”

Nationwide more than 11,000 people died in alcohol-related crashes. Officers said they can detect a decline in visual functions and multi-tasking skills with a blood alcohol level as low as 0.2.