Legal System students learn about DWI firsthand,
by Dana Truitt
Mr. Dennis O'Connell's American Legal Systems class has
had some interesting visitors come into their classroom.
Recently the class had Detective Robert Oranchak from
the Washington Township Police Department in to talk
about DWI.
Detective Oranchak demonstrated to the class what the
Washington Township's police look for when they suspect
a person of driving under the influence. "The main
factors that we focus on when watching out for drunk
drivers are weaving in and out of lanes, swerving,
braking when not necessary, or not braking at all, and
driving with the headlights off," Detective Oranchak
explained to the class as he prepared to show a mock DWI
stop.
Senior Dave Dolan was a victim of Detective Oranchak's
balance test demonstration. Some of the tests included
balancing on one foot, following the pen with his eyes,
and counting both back and forward, among other
difficult tasks. Another fun thing that Detective
Oranchak demonstrated was the use of beer goggles, which
simulated the perception of an intoxicated person. A
volunteer could put the glasses on and then try the
tests, seeing just how hard it is for a drunk person to
follow orders.
The demonstrations were informative and interesting, as
the class watched fellow students try
hard to keep their
balance with the beer goggles on. Detective Robert
Oranchak made learning about the dangers of drunk
driving and DWI interesting, but instilled the
importance of not drinking and driving.
(Right) Detective Sergeant Steve Seidler and Caesar of
the Morris County Sheriff's Department simulate a drug
search for the American Legal Systems class. (Top)
Washington Township Detective Robert Oranchak tests
senior Dave Dolan's balance to demonstrate some DWI
procedures used to determine if a motorist is
intoxicated.
