GINA B. GOOD / PVT Lloyd Platson, at the laptop computer, explains how the driving simulator adjusts the perception of driving under the influence of alcohol. The simulator is part of a three-tiered program available to organizations in Pahrump. Advertisement

With just a few taps on his computer keyboard, Lloyd Platson can make you drunk.

Or at least make you drive as though you've downed a six-pack of beer before getting behind the wheel.

NyE Communities Coalition applied for a $57,000 grant last year through the Nevada Highway Safety Department's Office of Traffic Safety. In addition to successfully being awarded the money, the coalition received a $23,000 driving simulator from the organization.

The local program started in October 2008, in partnership with the Nye County Sheriff's Office. The overall goal is to raise the perception of the risk involved in impaired driving.

The simulator was a big hit at Saturday's Health Fair held at Desert View Hospital, where it was set up in the entry leading to the hospital's front doors. People could be overheard in the vendor area, relating stories about hitting a dog during their turn driving the simulator, which looked a little like a convertible sports car.

During the fair, Platson chose from 20 different scenarios, in addition to a dog jumping out onto the road. The computer slows down reaction time of the driver by altering the screen images seen by the person steering and driving the simulator. Lloyd could make the driver experience the difference between drinking one beer or having several drinks.

Information entered into the computer program includes whether the driver is a male or female.

"Males have more water in their system and since alcohol is water soluble it dissipates quicker as opposed to women," explained Platson. "Alcohol stays longer in a woman's system."

Body size, age and weight are also entered into the computer, which figures out the blood-alcohol level of each driver.

"If you are under 150 pounds, your blood-alcohol level will be higher than someone heavier," explained Platson. "That's what makes the car respond in different ways. The whole goal is to raise awareness, including letting people understand they should not ride with friends who have been drinking."

In addition to the impaired driving simulator, the program includes an alcohol awareness PowerPoint presentation coupled with a fatal vision maze people try to navigate.

While the program is instructive for all age groups, Platson said, "The age of the first onset of drinking is around 13 years old."

The program is targeted for 14- to 24-year-olds.

"This helps teenagers who are too young to drive realize they shouldn't get in the car with an older friend who has been drinking," Platson said.

The program is educational for people who drive all motor vehicles, including ATVs, motorcycles and scooters.

Platson said the number one cause of death for those aged 3 to 30 is motor vehicle accidents. "We all know 3-year-olds don't drive, so what does that tell you?" he said.

To request Platson to visit a group with his presentation and driving simulator, call him at the NyE Communities Coalition: 727-9970. The office is located at 2280 East Calvada Blvd., within view of the duck ponds.