Tamaqua Police Officer Mike Weaver spent Thursday issuing field sobriety tests to Tamaqua Area High School seniors.

The students hadn’t been drinking alcohol, but were wearing special vision-obscuring glasses that made them feel as if they had.

And that’s why walking a straight line was difficult for students like Pierce Grim.

“Oh, it was definitely weird,” Grim admitted after stumbling with his footing while Weaver administered the walk-and-turn “test.”

Seniors like Grim participated in simulations of other drunk or distracted driving scenarios during their physical education classes. The simulations served as a reminder to not drive drunk, impaired or distracted — especially since the school’s prom will be held Saturday.

The glasses, Weaver noted, changed vision to that of someone with between a .12 and .16 blood alcohol content — or someone who is considered drunk.

Senior Madison Loar, also wearing the glasses, attempted to “steer” through a driving course.

“It wasn’t easy,” she admitted.

Jim McCabe, health and physical education teacher, reminded students that vision impairment is only one sign of alcohol or drug use. He noted that using the substances also causes mental changes.

The Pennsylvania Highway Safety Network organized the “Prom Promise” event, which also featured glasses that mimicked the effect of THS and other lenses that showed what it was like to be impaired after using both alcohol and THC.

Sarah Mills, District 5 coordinator for the network, greeted seniors, telling them that they likely had found the perfect dress and dates for the upcoming prom.

“But the biggest win is making it home safely,” Mills said.

She encouraged students to refrain from alcohol — and to never except a ride from a person who has been drinking.

“Impairment really does start with the first drink,” she said.

Thursday’s activities were part of a week of Prom Promise events at the high school sponsored by the Tamaqua Area Student Government Association.

On Monday, association members tied red ribbons to vehicles in the senior and faculty parking lots. The ribbons signify a promise to refrain from alcohol and drugs.

Tuesday was celebrated as “Awareness Day,” with an assembly by Travelers Insurance Agency and the Tamaqua Police Department on the dangers and results of distracted and drunk driving.

“Key Day” was held Wednesday with students signing “The Key” as a pledge not to drink and drive during the prom. Those who made the pledge were entered into a raffle to win gas cards donated by local businesses.

Friday is “Remembrance Day,” with faculty members, staff and administrators announcing messages to students throughout the day. An empty chair wss in each classroom to represent those who have been lost to drunk or distracted driving.