The City of Monticello has taken a proactive step in promoting traffic safety and youth education with the recent purchase of a SIDNE (Simulated Impaired Driving Experience) vehicle, made possible through funding from local alcohol sales tax revenue.
SIDNE is an electric-powered vehicle that provides a safe, hands-on demonstration of the real-life effects of impaired and distracted driving. With the ability to simulate delayed response times and loss of vehicle control, SIDNE serves as a powerful tool in educating both teens and adults on the dangers of driving under the influence.
“The SIDNE program represents a meaningful investment in the health and safety of our community,” said Mayor Kenny Catron. “Thanks to the responsible use of alcohol sales tax revenue, we’re able to provide this eye-opening experience to local students and residents without any additional burden on taxpayers.”
The SIDNE vehicle will be used jointly by the Monticello Police Department and Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) office and community partners during school visits and various public events to engage participants in simulated impaired driving exercises.
SIDNE was purchased from Innocorp, Ltd. in Verona, Wisconsin which is widely known for its “Fatal Vision” goggles. The company provided a certified SIDNE instructor for classroom and field training which was conducted Tuesday (June 17) for Monticello Police Officers and the city’s ABC Administrator. The training included how SIDNE works, its safety features, along with setting up and conducting the various SIDNE courses.
Program Highlights:
Simulated driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana and distracted driving with sober vs. impaired mode comparisons
On-site demonstrations by trained instructors
Integration into school and community safety programs
The City invites schools, youth groups, and local organizations to schedule SIDNE demonstrations as part of our public safety outreach efforts.
For more information about the SIDNE program in Monticello or to request a demonstration, please contact ABC Administrator Jordan Crabtree admin@monticelloky.gov or Police Chief Joey Hoover at joeyhoover@monticellopolice.com